Directions Finningley achieves ict active accreditation with flying colours
Directions Finningley Aviation Academy in Doncaster has become the latest property to celebrate its ICT infrastructure after receiving ict active accreditation.
The award is yet another example of Doncaster proving that it is a great location for business and can attract inward investment by offering the facilities that many big companies require.
On receiving the ict active award, Directions Finningley managing director, Richard Smith, said, “Doncaster is aiming to be a city and with that there’s an expectation of standards. If we are to attract more businesses, our facilities need to step up and prove they have the connectivity.”
ict active is a pioneering scheme that accredits and celebrates properties which have good ICT infrastructure and helps draw new companies to the area.
To become accredited as ict active, Directions Finningley had to undergo a thorough technical survey which tested various aspects of its ICT facilities including the fixed infrastructure and the provision of telephony and internet.
The property, which offers a range of self-contained business units, passed with ease, scoring particularly well on its managed internet service.
Richard Smith believes gaining the award will increase Directions Finningley’s desirability. “Being accredited as ict active means we can make a better business offer to attract both local companies and inward investment through larger companies.
“There’s a demand for connectivity from the word go and this needs to be met. We have adapted an old aircraft hangar to enable immediate ICT use and that was quite a challenge. We’ve proved it can be done.”
The accreditation, which is supported by Yorkshire Forward and Business Link South Yorkshire, certifies that Directions Finningley has an ICT infrastructure which meets all of its tenants’ needs.
Allan McGreal, Head of Business and General Aviation for Marshall Aerospace which is based at Directions Finningley, believes that a good ICT infrastructure is crucial for his company. “The range of technology we need grows day-by-day. We need the best facilities for both manufacturing and for training our staff and Directions Finningley has the infrastructure to enable both.”
Doncaster Business and Innovation Centre has also become ict active along with 15 other properties across South Yorkshire, proving that the region really is an ideal place to locate a business.
Any business property in South Yorkshire can undergo an ict active assessment and, like DBIC and Directions Finningley, make their ICT infrastructure a major selling point. Thanks to Objective 1 financial backing through Yorkshire Forward and Business Link South Yorkshire anyone who signs up by April 2008 will have their survey free of charge.
For more information about ict active, visit the website at www.ictactive.net or call 0845 111 4122.
ENDS
Photo caption: Directions Finningley celebrate their ict active award. (Left – right: Kate Peace, Centre Manager; Richard Smith, Managing Director; Business Development Manager of Peels Telecoms, Stuart Thorley; ict active representative Mike Bullivant and Allan McGreal, Head of Business and General Aviation of Marshall Aerospace.)
