Overview
Core Systems, a UK-based leader in interactive offender management and prison software solutions, sought to expand into the Australian market to capitalise on growing digitalisation across correctional services. With a complex landscape involving government agencies, private prison operators, and third-sector stakeholders, the company needed in-depth market intelligence and strategic local introductions to navigate its entry successfully.
To support this ambition, Foley & Associates, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI), delivered a comprehensive market research and business matching program tailored specifically to the needs of Core Systems.
The Challenge
Australia’s corrections sector, particularly its private prison industry, presents both opportunity and complexity. Core Systems required clarity on the structure of the local market, competitor activity, and active or upcoming tenders. In particular, they needed to understand the CSNSW phone tender landscape and the ecosystem surrounding new prison infrastructure developments.
Furthermore, identifying qualified partners and end-users for their offender technology solutions was critical to building long-term commercial success in the region.
The Solution
Foley designed and delivered a multi-stage market entry project that included:
In-depth research into Australia’s private prison operators and consulting firms involved in new prison builds
Analysis of the CSNSW phone tender and major players such as GTL and Eircom
Identification of upcoming opportunities and tenders across Australia and New Zealand
Competitor intelligence and mapping of the ‘youth at risk’ market segment
Evaluation of third-sector organisations and potential implementation partners
Business matching with qualified end-customers and strategic partners
Foley also facilitated a series of interactive workshops with Core Systems, ensuring the intelligence gathered was discussed in detail and aligned with the company’s objectives. All findings were presented in a way that was clear, actionable, and specific to the correctional technology sector.
Outcomes
Following Foley’s support, Core Systems successfully won and delivered a major project at Grafton Prison, Australia’s largest correctional complex. The insights and partnerships developed through Foley’s market research and business matchmaking were instrumental in securing this high-profile opportunity.
This engagement reinforced the effectiveness of Foley’s market entry support model, particularly for international digital and ICT companies targeting highly regulated or government-led sectors.
Conclusion
Core Systems’ success in Australia is a testament to the power of local intelligence, targeted outreach, and strong in-market partnerships. With Foley’s guidance, the company was able to confidently navigate a new and complex environment and deliver impactful offender technology solutions at scale.
Are you a UK or European tech firm looking to expand into Australia? Partner with Foley and unlock your market potential.
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