A leading Aberdeen-based ICT (information and communications technology) provider has marked its tenth anniversary by acquiring new headquarters and investing in its workforce.
Converged Communication Solutions, which provides Internet connections, telephone systems and IT support services, has recently relocated to new premises at the Spires Business Park. The 385sqm (4,154 sq. ft.) building in the city’s Mugiemoss Road represents an investment by the firm of around £500,000.
Relocating to its own premises is a landmark move for the ten-year-old firm which had previously been in rented premises, most recently located in the city’s harbour area. Spread over two floors, the new facility offers a more flexible space for the company and will enable future growth.
Converged has evolved in line with major changes in the ICT industry over the past decade. When the firm launched in 2005 – the same year as YouTube and Google Maps launched – more people accessed the Internet using broadband than dial-up, with Internet connection speeds of around 2Mbps. However, technology has advanced significantly over the last decade and Converged now provides clients with symmetric download and upload speeds of over 1Gbps.
Along with purchasing new headquarters, Converged has also invested in its 22-strong workforce. Each member of staff is now accredited by ITIL, which has become the best practice approach to IT Service Management that has been adopted both in the UK and internationally, by public and private sector organisations of all shapes and sizes.
ITIL certification advocates that IT is aligned to the needs of business rather than being considered as a back-end support function – a view shared by Converged. Ensuring all of its staff hold ITIL certification underlines the commitment Converged has made to the continued professional development of its workforce and the central role that ICT services command in business.
The firm has further invested in its workforce by becoming an accredited Living Wage employer, committing it to paying each of its employees a minimum of £8.25 per hour. It has also employed its first ever apprentice, in doing so helping support the future of its industry. Over the past decade, Converged has employed five university graduates in a variety of technical roles but took the decision this year to employ a school-leaver as an apprentice.
Neil Christie, founder and technical director at Converged, said: “In the past decade we have witnessed huge advances in the ICT technology available to us and how we utilise it. Resilient and fast Internet connections are crucial for business today, particularly due to the growth of cloud-based software, video conferencing and multimedia content.
“Converged has grown consistently over the past 10 years and has evolved to meet the needs of our clients. To be in the position of having our own premises is testament to the hard work of our entire workforce.”
Converged also recently announced a partnership with brightsolid, part of the DC Thomson Group, which opened a new state-of-the-art Aberdeen datacentre in October. The facility benefits from robust network connectivity – nationally and internationally – and the partnership allows all Converged customers to access brightsolid’s datacentre via the Converged core network.
Neil added: “We are very proud to have gained a reputation for high-quality service and the provision of solutions for all businesses regardless of their size, budget or industry. Delivering innovative, world-class services to clients has always been a cornerstone of the business. As we mark this milestone anniversary we can look ahead to the next decade with confidence knowing that we are well positioned to support our clients going forward. IT is an ever-evolving industry and we look forward to expanding our portfolio to reflect current and future market needs, such as the increasing need for professional cyber security services.”
Converged Communication Solutions is an independent, Aberdeen-based IT support, telephony and Internet service provider. Established in 2005, the company has grown from a two-man operation into a fully integrated communications company with 22 staff, which includes a strong technical support team. The firm provides businesses across the UK with a single and accountable service for their telephony, Internet and networking requirements. Converged has recently become part of the Aberdeen CORE project that is installing a Gigabit speed fibre network in Aberdeen. More information about Converged Communication Solutions is available at www.converged.co.uk or by telephoning 01224 656380.