aql creates new jobs as it expands

TELECOMMUNICATIONS business aql is creating 30 new jobs in Leeds as it expands its base.

Already working with 35 of the FTSE 100 companies, aql’s chief executive Adam Beaumont believes Leeds is the perfect location to provide back-up to failure of London systems.

aql received a £548,000 grant from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Business Growth Programme, which is supported by the government’s Regional Growth Fund, to support its plans.

Dr Beaumont said the project would be delivered over the “medium term” and that the construction of new data centres by the company, which has invested millions of pounds into the regional economy, would continue.

“We already have the digital infrastructure in Leeds to support this and we’ll continue to invest in data centres to ensure the capability is here,” he said.

“Leeds is the only city outside of London with an independent internet exchange –allowing infrastructure in our city to have a gamut of London-independent connectivity choices to Europe, US and Asia.

“UK plc is currently exposed by the lack of financial infrastructure north of the capital. Leeds is already the largest financial services centre outside of London so it makes absolute sense to make Leeds the business continuity centre for the UK’s financial services sector.

“If systems were to go down, Leeds would be capable of providing a seamless back-up to ensure operations remain functional, saving organisations time, money and substantial headaches.”

Dr Beaumont added that the grant has been beneficial in helping to progress the firm’s latest data centre which, in turn, will create a number of jobs across a range of skill sets and enable aql to push ahead with its business continuity strategy.

Roger Marsh, chair of the LEP, added: “aql is one of the Leeds City Region’s major success stories and our Business Growth Programme grant is helping the company to create jobs in a range of skill sets, giving people the opportunity to enter the digital and creative sector, one of the key sectors that is helping to grow our economy even further.

“Allied to the third round of our Growing Places Fund, which makes up to £6m available for businesses to access loan funding, the Business Growth Programme is making a real positive difference to companies across the whole City Region.”

Councillor Keith Wakefield, chair of the LEP’s investment panel and leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This investment is a great example of the public and private sector working together to stimulate growth in our City Region.

“This is good news for Leeds as it supports the positioning of the city as a leading digital hub and I look forward to seeing further job creation by aql and the other companies benefitting from the Business Growth Programme in the months and years to come.”

Dr Beaumont added: “Our aim is to foster a significant secondary spend in Leeds by the UK’s financial organisations, many of which are already aql customers, doing our bit to help Leeds and the wider city region attract the biggest financial players.”