A Birmingham software company is planning to double its headcount after switching its banks and clinching an order with the Professional Footballers Association.

ProTech Computer Systems is looking to expand its operations after it secured a number of new contracts for its Pro- 7 computer software programme.

The investment is backed by a new banking arrangement with NatWest.

ProTech, which is based in Great Barr, was originally set up in the bedroom of managing director Mark Trouth.

But the firm, which now employs 32 people, has outlined expansion plans following the successful take up of its database management system by not for profit, sports and leisure, trade unions and public sector organisations.

Mr Trouth said the firm was aiming to increase its headcount to more than 40 over the next six months and double that over the next 18 months.

He also aims to grow the turnover of the business from £2 million to £5 million during the same period.

He said: "We have ambitious growth plans, both organically and through acquisition over the next 18 months.

"This is an exciting time in the history of the company. A number of large contract wins for our Pro-7 software application means we are actively looking to recruit more software engineers to the company.

"We have invested heavily in our service proposition and our product solutions are providing real benefits to our customers and this is driving the growth in our business witnessed at this time. "

Mr Trouth said the Pro-7 system offered a complete back office solution for organisations for record, relationship, fundraising and marketing requirements.

The software is designed to enable users to manage their membership records more efficiently and achieve significant time and cost savings for their organisations.

Amongst the new contracts won by the company recently are deals with NCFE, one of the world's oldest national awarding bodies in the United Kingdom, the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and the Institute of Physics.

The contract for the PFA will see Pro-7 extend the association's membership system to include the recording and management of educational and vocational qualifications achieved by professional footballers involving support provided by the national body.

Mr Trouth said: "The PFA has got a good name and the contract with them was a very good piece of business.

"They are going to use the Pro-7 to manage everything to do with that organisation."

NatWest Commercial Banking in Birmingham has extended a new working capital facility.

Mr Trouth said: "The new finance package agreed with NatWest provides us with the financial platform to seek to achieve our business ambitions."

Matthew Hart, senior commercial manager at NatWest said: "ProTech is a great example of a local business who have developed a niche product for their marketplace and through their investment in customer service are reaping rewards.

"It is encouraging to see the new contracts won recently as their reputation in the marketplace grows."