App creator looks to the stars

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A RUBERY company is looking to the stars after the smart phone application it designed shot to the top of the Apple App Store charts.

The Night Sky App, designed by Northfield teacher Andy Weekes who is behind the firm, has become the number one selling iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad app in the UK and New Zealand whilst proving immensely popular in other countries.

The app enables people to identify the stars, planets and satellites they can see above them.

Mr Weekes, who founded iCandi Apps in 2008, has developed a range od applications, including two, which have over half a million users around the world. He also teaches part time at St Thomas Aquinas School in South Birmingham.

He said: “Being number one is surreal.

“I can’t quite believe it has happened, I said to myself in the car the other day, you’ve done it, you’re number one, but it still hasn’t sunk in.”

iCandi Apps started as a hobby for Mr Weekes but, due to its success, he was able to turn it into a viable business which profits makes custom apps for companies.

He added: ‘’It’s great to know I’m doing my bit to help the UK economy, bringing sales in from around the world is my own small step to help the UK in this time of recession.

“We need more young people to set up small businesses like this who trade internationally to help this countries economy.

“Although it’s such a great achievement and I’m gobsmacked, I’m not complacent at all.

“I’m already thinking of the next creation for another iCandi Apps magical app.”