30 new jobs as tech firm boosted by Northern Powerhouse fund
A tech company which provides age verification tools to businesses selling age restricted goods, content or services, is set to create 30 new high-tech jobs thanks to a £380,000 funding boost.
Stockport-headquartered Age Check Certification Scheme (ACCS) is aiming for significant growth this year after securing the money from NPIF – Maven Equity Finance, managed by Maven and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF).
ACCS tests that age-check systems work and that robust age-check procedures are followed by users.
The business currently operates UK-wide, with expansion plans across Europe.
The investment is set to deliver more than 30 new, high-tech jobs to the region while also supporting plans to build a state-of-the-art in-house testing centre in Stockport.
This will allow ACCS to implement assessments on age verification processes, artificial intelligence systems, biometrics and other age-check cutting edge and emerging technologies.
In addition, the company will look to further develop its digital platforms, including its website and app that is currently used by more than 600 test purchasers to independently verify age check practices in retail, hospitality, gambling and entertainment premises across the UK.
Tony Allen, founder and CEO of ACCS, said: “Age checking is a vitally-important part of keeping young people safe in our increasingly digital-by-default society.
“However, given how quickly those digital platforms are changing, the process of verifying that age check systems work has never been more complex.”
The latest deal forms part of NPIF’s ongoing investment in the North which has recently exceeded £60m in Greater Manchester businesses.
James Darlington, senior investment manager at Maven, said: “ACCS is a fantastic northern technology business which has developed innovative technology and is truly driving positive change in its market.
“Recent major new client wins are a testament to the strength of the team who have managed the business diligently throughout this uncertain period.”
