Renown computer firm coming home
FERRANTI Computer Systems has opened its first UK office for more than 20 years.
It has launched at The Landing at MediaCityUk exactly 65 years to the month since the world’s first commercial computer, The Ferranti Mark 1, became operational at Manchester University.
First established in Oldham in 1896, the Ferranti company went through various changes of ownership and developed a wide range of subsidiary businesses within the computing, defence, aerospace, components, electronics and software sectors.
Now Ferranti Computer Systems, which is headquartered in Antwerp, has established a satellite UK operation in Manchester to support its specialist customer management, billing software and services developed for companies within the water and energy sectors. It expects the new office to have up to 30 staff in time.
Mark Hurcomb, chief commercial Officer of Ferranti Computer Systems, said: “Everyone at Ferranti Computer Systems is keenly aware and very proud of the company’s Manchester roots and the historical significance the city has in the history of computing and technology.
“Therefore when we were looked to open a UK office we immediately thought of Manchester.
“However our decision to locate to The Landing was not just driven by nostalgia or heritage, and the facilities and location perfectly meet our needs in terms of physical and technical connectivity, a strong emphasis on collaboration and a fantastic social and cultural environment for all our staff to enjoy, both Belgian and British.
“The office will support the growing customer base for our Microsoft based MECOMS solution, which is a CRM and billing solution for energy and water retailers available in the cloud and on-premise. The local office will showcase the solution aimed at new entrants, as well as established players in the dynamic UK marketplace.”
David McTear, operations director of The Landing, said: “It’s 120 years since the Liverpool engineer and entrepreneur Sebastian Ziani de Ferranti established an electronics company in Manchester, setting in train a series of technological breakthroughs and business ventures which gave birth to the world’s first commercial computer, inspired many other innovations, and spawned a global electronics empire.
“It’s therefore fitting that a company bearing his name has chosen to locate itself at The Landing as we embrace all of the qualities that helped drive Ferranti’s initial success over a century ago.
“We also are greatly looking forward to introducing Ferranti team to what Manchester and the North West has to offer, including a visit to MOSI where they can see both the original Ferranti Mark 1 and a replica of the iconic Baby computer which was its blueprint.”
To celebrate titsa return to Manchester, Ferranti Computer Systems also plans to host a special event in the city later in the year.
