Firms must follow innovative example or die, Steven Norris warnsFormer Government Minister Steven Norris has praised the team behind a new UK headquarters for Runcorn-based information technology specialist Progressive Solutions – but has warned the wider business community to innovate or risk facing collapse. Speaking at the official unveiling of the company's new premises at The Heath Business and Technical Park, Mr Norris applauded the efforts of Progressive Solutions together with SOG Ltd, which owns and manages the business park, and RJ Lewis Projects, the Liverpool-based company responsible for the design and build management of the construction project. But while all three organisations are bucking the current economic trend, other companies are destined to be less successful, the former Transport Minister argued. "Businesses need to pull together as a team, working hard," Mr Norris told the audience last Friday, adding that so-called "bit-part players" and "tyre-kickers" were likely to be those that fail in the present financial climate. "People of quality, teams of quality that work together will be the ones that survive – being efficient, being innovative and being dedicated to actually deliver a quality outcome," he added. "I know that SOG falls into that category, I know that RJ Lewis Projects falls into that category and I'm very, very clear that Progressive Solutions falls into that category." Mr Norris, who continues to enjoy a high political profile as adviser to Conservative leader David Cameron, was joined at the official opening by leading business and civic figures from across the North West. He used his speech to highlight the tough operating conditions being faced. "What we do have to recognise is that times are genuinely very, very hard indeed and they are likely to remain so for some time." He added: "It's important to distinguish genuine green shoots from some of the weeds that are likely to emerge but which distract at a time like this from what the real issues are." Progressive Solutions' new premises – named Progressive House – offer state-of-the-art, two-storey office facilities for 30 of the company’s staff. The building provides 7,500 square feet of floor space, enabling the business to relocate after it outgrew its previous premises on The Heath. It also marks the first phase of a multi-million-pound expansion scheme at The Heath being carried out by 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 deploys 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, insisted that the present time was the right one for the company to expand. "We have made an investment; we continue to build on that investment," he told the audience. "We are not going to look backwards." Mr Williams added: “Now is a good time to do these things because when things pick up you don't have time to do things like this. Now's the time to make that investment.” About Progressive Solutions 13 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
|
Former Government Minister Steven Norris (second from right) is pictured during the official opening ceremony with (from left to right) SOG Ltd Marketing Director John Lewis, Progressive Solutions’ President and CEO Len Williams, SOG Ltd Managing Director Dr Peter Cook and Progressive Solutions’ UK Managing Director Arthur Duffy.
|