Husband and wife entrepreneurs Andy and Sarah Howard have celebrated the 20th anniversary of the software business they launched just days after getting married.

Sarand, based in Haverhill, provides bespoke software to a wide range of industries, particularly in the health, manufacturing, logistics and motor manufacturing sectors.

Its Business Manager system, which brings together critical day-to-day processes including customer relationship management, sales and purchase order processing, stock control and process control, to increase efficiency and profitability, is used by businesses across the UK.

Andy said: “I think what has made us successful is that as an IT company we have been able to adapt to the changes in our industry over the last 20 years and our vision from day one was to provide software that does what our clients want, and not what the software dictates, and is very straightforward to use.”

Guests at a reception marking the company’s anniversary included West Suffolk MP and Business and Energy Minister Matthew Hancock

Sarah, who is currently president of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said the evening had been “a fantastic celebration of what we have achieved in the last 20 years and a chance to tell people about what’s next for the future.”

Mr Hancock said: “I am delighted to attend Sarand’s 20th anniversary. It is fantastic to see a Haverhill-based business doing so well, offering local jobs to local people and giving back to the community.

“Both Sarah and Andy are brilliant business representatives in Haverhill, taking Sarand, as well as other businesses, from strength to strength. Congratulations to everyone who has helped make Sarand so successful.”