UKFast Champions Innovation for Greater Manchester

Oct. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- Hosting specialist UKFast has scooped the title of Innovator of the Year at The Greater Manchester Chamber Innovation awards.

The Chamber's panel of judges cited UKFast's ability to create scalable software as a key reason for the technology company's sustained growth.

The judges referred to UKFast's collection of in-house-developed systems and applications known as Orpheus. Its primary function is to reduce the administration needed in everyday working by automating processes. This allows the business to run efficiently and respond quickly to client demand.

Orpheus, built by UKFast's research and development team, consists of core systems including sales, accounts and technical databases. These integrate with a click-and-dial telephone system, training and exam packages and an HR and holiday management system amongst others.

Collecting the award UKFast communications director Jonathan Bowers, thanked the chamber for recognising in-house development. He said, "As a very small business, in fact, as soon as UKFast could afford it, we created an R&D team. Nine years later we continue to place 25% of our resource into technology development."

Clive Memmott, chief executive of the Chamber, commended the evolution and flexibility of UKFast's software. "UKFast has shown continued growth over the past decade which has come hand in hand with the development of their Orpheus system. Importantly, this has allowed employees to focus on the most important person - the customer."

UKFast's MD Lawrence Jones is thrilled to receive the award. "It is fantastic for our research and development team to receive the recognition they deserve. Orpheus is our central nervous system and is constantly evolving to meet the needs of running a Sunday Times Tech Track business.

"Businesses should not be drawn into buying off-the-shelf packages if they are not right for their needs. Our R&D team has proved that anything is possible. With the right vision and attitude they constantly evolve Orpheus to meet the needs of our business which has grown from 5 to 135 people in the last decade.

"Thanks to Orpheus, customers can get server details within 40 minutes of ordering. They also control their solutions through MyUKFast, where a 'widget system' allows them to access support and outs power into their own hands."

The award comes as UKFast celebrates a bumper awards season as the company is shortlisted for seven prestigious awards including two National Business Awards, and was recently named in the Sunday Times Tech Track.

For more information about UKFast visit: http://www.ukfast.co.uk

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UKFast has been at the heart of the UK internet industry for more than a decade, and in addition to being named as one of The Sunday Times best companies to work for, it won the UK IT Awards Employer of the Year in 2010.