Nick Claxson, CEO, Comtec, said, “Manchester has the ambition and the investment to become one of Europe’s top 20 digital cities by 2020. As a company which brings together systems design and installation, award-winning data centre solutions, network connectivity and unified communications service provision, Comtec not only shares that drive but also brings together a unique mix of technologies and skills to help Manchester realise these goals.”
“Uniquely for a systems integrator of our size,” continued Claxson, “Comtec has focussed on gaining the highest levels of accreditation with leading Tier 1 manufacturers. By working with Comtec, customers reduce the risks associated with complex technology integrations, and at the same time we are able to help them to consider ways to leverage IT to increase the efficiency of their networks and reduce costs. We believe that this is a strong proposition for businesses in the North West, where speed of getting to market could be vital to success.”
The Manchester office will be led by James Taylor who has been recruited from Schneider Electric to launch the new office and to establish this local focal point for the company’s customers in the North West of England. Taylor said, “We’re excited to be able to play our part in the growth of this important region – Manchester has a well-deserved reputation as a centre for innovation. As the UK’s largest regional economy and a thriving technology community, we look forward to participating in the creation of new jobs and helping businesses continue to grow and thrive.”
Established in 1994, Comtec has been providing a wide range of solutions for customers IT, datacentre and communications needs across the UK. This latest expansion reflects the company’s confidence and optimism in the continuing economic prosperity of the North West of England.
James Taylor continued “we have a significant and growing client base in the North West and we see the new Manchester office as a strategic imperative in ensuring we can deliver the best service and solutions to our growing customer base. We are open for business in Manchester as of today and within a 2 hour radius is approximately 60% of UK businesses and 20 million people.
“Our business has continued to grow as a result of our relentless focus on solutions that enable our customers to increase flexibility, scalability and cost effectiveness across their IT infrastructure, datacentres and or communications. This new development will help us deliver a stronger service to customers across the North West ”.
Tim Newns, chief executive of MIDAS, Manchester’s inward investment agency, said: “I’m delighted that Comtec has chosen to invest in Manchester as it’s a choice that clearly recognises the region’s long-standing reputation as a first class centre for IT and is one I know will benefit them greatly. “The environment is right for success – as the second largest digital hub in Europe and the UK fastest growing regional economy, Manchester offers significant market opportunities. This coupled with access to big multi-nationals and start ups, there are some exciting opportunities for Comtec to explore and I look forward to seeing them thrive here.”
Growth in Manchester’s IT sector has increased by over 50% in the last decade, outstripping anywhere else in the UK at nearly 5 times the national average. The Manchester region also boasts a potential workforce of 7.2m within a 50 mile radius includes 17 Universities producing 117,000 graduates each year. Comtec’s Manchester office will focus on the region from the Scottish Border to a line crossing Wales and England below the Midlands.