BUSINESS management solutions specialist Access Group has acquired thankQ, a leading supplier for fundraising and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software.

Access, which is based at Stratford St Mary, on the Suffolk-Essex border between Ipswich and Colchester, said the deal would strengthen its offer to the not-for-profit (NFP) sector where it already has more than 530 customers using its finance and human resources solutions.

The acquisition of Leicestershire-based thankQ, the value of which has not been disclosed, meant it would be able to offer a fully-integrated finance and fundraising CRM system to the sector, the group added.

Chris Bayne, chief executive atr Access, said: “Having worked closely with the not-for-profit sector for many years, we know that there is strong demand for tightly integrated finance and fundraising systems.

“With the acquisition of thankQ, Access is now able to offer a fully integrated best-of-breed solution bringing time and cost savings to our NFP customers and improving reporting of both financial and non-financial data.”

Among thankQ’s 230 existing customers are BBC Children in Need and Citizens Advice

“Our aim is to help charitable organisations focus their efforts on core activities – such as donor and fundraising management – and to ensure they are not burdened by administration and paperwork,” added Mr Bayne

“We can now provide a fully-integrated solution that improves the speed and ease with which charities access and work with data, and integrate invoice and donation transactions to aid decision making through better reporting,.”

John Bird, managing director of thankQ, said: “Joining Access is a great opportunity for our customers and staff. It’s the perfect fit both in terms of approach and technology; their team understands the complexities of our market space and is passionate about what we’ve been looking to achieve.

“By fully integrating the Access and thankQ solutions, we’ll make a positive impact on the NFP sector by helping our customers improve the way they operate and gain greater efficiencies across their organisation. With the addition of Access’ HR solution, we can also help them make the most of their best asset – their people.”