ICT programme creating new jobs

Cornish Businesses have created 101 new jobs by adopting digital technology with help from Superfast Business Cornwall.

Businesses in Cornwall are now reaping the benefits enabled by digital technology; including reaching new markets, reducing costs and increasing productivity. This has led to business growth with at least 101 new roles being created in businesses that have worked with the Superfast Business Cornwall programme.

The service offers ambitious businesses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly expert advice and guidance on how to understand, adopt and exploit digital technology for growth and is fully-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Microtest, one of the leading providers of clinical software systems for GP practices in the UK, has benefited from the service. The company, based in Bodmin, has been working with Superfast Business Cornwall to develop a cloud-hosted service for their software.

MD, Chris Netherton has already seen the impact of this initiative. He said: “Within a few months of starting this project, Microtest gained Preferred Vendor status for NHS Wales, after a rigorous procurement process.

“We now have the opportunity to work with many new customers across NHS Wales, so this is a really significant step forward. We have already created eight new high-skilled IT jobs in Bodmin, with more planned as a result of this project.”

There are more new roles being created with other clients engaged with the service and a number of vacancies are on the Superfast Business Cornwall website as well as opportunities to join their own team.

The project’s 12-hour programme is delivered through a blend of workshops and impartial advice from a digital business adviser, together with Masterclasses or tailored support provided by ICT specialists from the private sector.