Steven Norris unveils latest Progressive success storyFormer Government Minister Steven Norris was guest of honour today as leading information technology specialist Progressive Solutions bucked the economic trend by officially opening its new UK headquarters at The Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn. The ceremony, attended by leading business and civic figures, marked the unveiling of Progressive House, a state-of-the-art, two-storey office block that has become the base for 30 of the company’s staff. The stunning new building, which offers 7,500 square feet of floor space, has enabled Progressive Solutions to relocate after it outgrew its existing premises. It also marks the first phase of a multi-million pound expansion scheme at The Heath being carried out by owner and operator SOG Ltd. The award-winning business and science park is looking to add 180,000 square feet of new accommodation – potentially increasing the total workforce on site from 2,000 to more than 3,000 within five years. Progressive Solutions, which has a sister company in Vancouver, Canada, has been active in the UK since 2002. It develops business management software for customers that include builders’ merchants, timber merchants, distribution companies and other suppliers within the construction industry. Its information technology expertise has succeeded in helping businesses become more efficient, more productive and more profitable. Progressive Solutions remains an independent company but is also a Microsoft Gold Certified partner – this link with the world’s leading software developer guarantees that the team works to the highest standards and deploy excellent levels of technical expertise, strategic thinking and hands-on skills. Progressive Solutions’ President and CEO, Len Williams, who performed the opening ceremony in partnership with Steven Norris, said: “The unveiling of Progressive House marks a proud day for the company, reflecting our commitment to making further investment and to developing our market-leading position.” “With an ever-expanding, highly skilled team and superb relationships with our customers we’re extremely confident of further growth in the future. At a time when the economy at large has been struggling, Progressive Solutions has been going from strength to strength thanks to a combination of great products and excellent customer service.” The opening of Progressive House also reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to the development of bisTrack, its range of business software products that manage sales, control stock, simplify purchasing and gather intelligence. Arthur Duffy, Progressive Solutions’ Managing Director in the UK, said: “The phenomenal growth of bisTrack means Progressive Solutions was simply growing too big for its existing premises. The products are quickly establishing themselves as the leaders in the marketplace – and we needed to expand in order to continue to develop the support and services we provide to our customer base.” He added: “Our software helps customers retain their competitive advantage and keep a tight control on their business. In the current economic climate it’s essential we maintain our support at the highest possible level.” Design and build management of Progressive House has been handled by Liverpool-based RJ Lewis Projects, an expert on large-scale construction and refurbishment schemes. Director Simon Lewis said: “We’re delighted to have provided Progressive Solutions with a fully flexible office space but also to have created the first stage in an exciting expansion at The Heath.” His thoughts were echoed by Dr Peter Cook, Managing Director of SOG Ltd. He said: “Today marks a fantastic achievement for everyone involved in the creation of Progressive House. At a time when every news story seems to be talking about the devastating effects of recession, both Progressive Solutions and The Heath have shown that it’s possible to buck the trend by being innovative, by listening to customers’ requirements and by working in partnership with them.” About Progressive Solutions 10 July 2009 About The Heath:The Heath, which was established as a business park in 2000, has attracted over 175 British and international companies, ranging from bio science firms to IT specialists, from food industry consultants to website designers, and from government agencies to telemarketing specialists. Residents have been attracted by the 60-acre business park's vast range of impressive facilities and its flexibility in space management and in attitude. The Heath offers a wide range of office and laboratory space, together with a purpose-built conference centre that includes a 120-seat lecture theatre. Residents can also choose from a wide selection of additional services, including telephone and broadband connectivity, laboratory support services, scientific glassblowing and precision engineering facilities, to name but a few. Residents also have access to The Heath's fitness centre and gym. Combined with 1,700 parking spaces, its first-class transport links - and the ability for residents to select and pay for just the services they require - it's no surprise that the number of companies on The Heath is continuing to grow rapidly. MEDIA CONTACT: PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
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