Two flagship commercial properties in Rotherham are the latest in the region to achieve the pioneering ict active accreditation.
Moorgate Crofts and Century Business Centres – for start-up and growing companies – have both proved that the standard of their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) provides everything needed to support local businesses and attract new companies to the area.
The prestigious accreditation, which is supported by Yorkshire Forward and Business Link South Yorkshire, will reinforce Rotherham’s status as one of the best places in the country for business. Alongside the region’s central location and excellent infrastructure, the ict active award is yet another sign that South Yorkshire is the ideal location for many companies.
Councillor Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Development Services, believes that ict active will add to the area’s appeal:
“ict active is certainly something we will adopt across all of Rotherham as we move forward; it is another sign of our progression. Properties like Moorgate Crofts which have good ICT provision can attract high-quality tenants and this helps the region grow.”
To gain ict active accreditation, the properties had to undergo a thorough technical survey which looked at all aspects of their ICT infrastructure.
Moorgate Crofts and Century were created by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council as specialist centres for entrepreneurs. They are run by the council’s regeneration arm, Rotherham Investment & Development office, and have highly successful track records. Part of their attraction is that they have reliable, fast internet connections, 24-hour access and the ability to provide ICT facilities from day one. These features create an ict active environment that is perfect for running a successful business.
Amanda Parris, the Centre Manager for both sites, said:
“It’s fantastic to have achieved this award. It puts us on the map and proves to businesses that we can provide suitable accommodation. We have always felt that we have the facilities to meet most companies’ needs, but this backs that up.”
“We have a number of new centres opening in the next year and we hope to get them all ict active accredited,” she added.
Twenty properties across South Yorkshire have now received ict active accreditation.
Any business property in South Yorkshire can undergo an ict active assessment and, like Moorgate Crofts and Century, 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 call 0845 111 4122.
ENDS
Photo caption: Amanda Parris and Councillor Gerald Smith celebrate Moorgate Crofts’ ict active status.
