AN astute decision to bring in a "troubleshooter" has turned around an underperforming Bury company.

For after reporting a loss in 1998-99, telecommunication company Microcare Systems Ltd has returned to a stable financial footing with a 200 per cent increase in profitability over the previous year.

The Derby Street-based business, which employs a 70-strong workforce, is one of the longest established and best known names in the third party maintenance market.

After making a capital injection of more than £500,0000, Microcare's majority shareholders, Monaco-based Selnek, seconded Chris Paveley to provide the much-needed management and market expertise to re-establish the company as the leading provider of telecoms maintenance.

"It was clear that despite the wealth of knowledge and experience of its line management, Microcare had underperformed over the last few years," commented Mr Paveley.

"After implementing new procedural systems and severing all links with the company's previous directors, the financial position of the company has improved dramatically."

The restructuring has also seen the setting up of Microcare Business Sales Ltd, headed by sales director Jason McElroy, to supply the latest telephone systems to small and medium-sized companies direct.

This move has paid off swiftly with a contract worth around £750,000 from BT.