In Brief: Deal for WANdisco; £160m Hull project; Famous Sheffield Shop; ECSC

DATA software group WANdisco has today announced a significant agreement with a US Fortune 100 heavy equipment manufacturer, which will contribute $1.87m in revenue over its five-year term.

The manufacturer has renewed its license for WANdisco SVN MultiSite until the end of 2017.
 
David Richards, chief executive and CEO of Sheffield-based WANdisco said: “This is a resounding endorsement of our technology, of our offering and of our strategy.  This agreement represents a significant, long-term customer commitment to WANdisco, made by one of the largest and most successful firms on earth. 

“It stands as testament to the value our solutions bring and is further evidence of the major role software plays across all industries. Most people don’t think about software development when they think about heavy equipment manufacturing, but the fact is that software is now a pervasive element of the global economy and most of the world’s software is developed using Subversion.”
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THE Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce is pushing hard for proposals for an iconic bridge to be added to the £160m plans to redevelop part of Hull.

Work on the Castle Street road project to sink the A63 into an underpass to improve traffic flow to the docks and east Hull and ease congestion in the city centre is expected to start in 2015, subject to the final consents being agreed.

At a meeting of the Chamber’s Shipping Committee business leaders raised concerns with Highways Agency representatives about the lack of a design and costings for a suitable bridge for pedestrians and cyclists to use to cross the redeveloped A63 junction.

Councillor Martin Mancey and Mike Ibbotson, from Hull City Council and Highways Agency representatives Graham Riley and Stuart Allanson, discussed various aspects of the road scheme with Chamber leaders before it was agreed by the leaders that the final design must incorporate an “iconic” land bridge that people will want to use, even if that were to come with a price tag of up to £5m.

“The Chamber has long championed this road scheme but feels it is vital to get the right iconic style land bridge for pedestrians included in the plans to ensure the upgrade of Castle Street reunites the city with its waterfront,” said Chamber chief executive, Dr Ian Kelly.

“Even if it were to cost £5m, taken in the context of the full cost of the scheme, it’s not that much more money and it’s important that we create a bridge that people will want to use and one that will benefit the city for many years to come,” said Graham Cross, chairman of the Chamber’s Shipping Committee.
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THE Famous Sheffield Shop said it has seen interest from 145 different countries via its online store over the past 12 months.

The business marks its 30th anniversary this month and owner Paul Iseard said Sheffield’s popularity for producing fantastic products shows no sign of slowing.

He said: “At the Sheffield Shop we only sell products that have been made here in the steel city, with a particular focus on Sheffield craftsmanship in silver and steel.

“To have interest from so many people across the world is a great indicator that Sheffield’s reputation is in rude health and that – contrary to popular belief – the city is continuing to produce lots of top quality products.”
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WEST Yorkshire firm ECSC said it has capitalised on business rates rebate due to creating jobs in the Bradford City Centre Growth Zone.
 
The Bradford-based IT company, which has recently moved to larger premises in Listerhills Science Park is eager to progress and has taken advantage of the Bradford City Centre Growth Zone Scheme, which provides the opportunity of a business rate rebate if the business takes on new staff.
 
ECSC managing director, Ian Mann, said: “As a Bradford based company, we value the support that this initiative gives us in accelerating our growth plans.
 
“This extra help has enabled us to create new jobs and speed up our development. We appreciate the assistance provided by the Council and hope other businesses are encouraged to use the initiative and help drive the Bradford economy in a positive direction.”
 
Councillor David Green, leader of Bradford Council, said: “It’s really good to see so many firms taking advantage of the City Centre Growth Zone which is encouraging investment in the area and investment in people.
 
“ECSC is providing a valuable and necessary service in the modern business world. Its move to larger premises still within the Bradford area indicated their confidence and faith in the local economy.”
 
The City Centre Growth Zone is part of a £35m initiative funded by Bradford Council and Government’s Regional Growth Zone. Eligible businesses can receive rate rebates if they demonstrate that they are creating new jobs in Bradford city centre.