Tech firm Probrand set for expansion after grant support
BIRMINGHAM-based technology services provider Probrand is investing £320,000 to redevelop its Camden Street headquarters, in a move set to create new jobs.
Probrand, which currently employs 66 people, is already recruiting for 10 new sales and account management roles, with more to follow in order to meet growth targets.
Work has begun to create new space for up to 59 people by renovating a previously derelict area of the firm’s Jewellery Quarter base.
This will also free up existing space within the building to accommodate growth of sister companies, IT services business Icomm Technologies and enterprise application provider, Mercato Solutions.
Peter Robbins, Managing Director at Probrand, said: “We believe in upskilling and investing in a local workforce and facilities that nurture innovation for growth.
“Probrand has outgrown its existing space and requires sales and account managers, IT services business Icomm needs space to continue two year growth of 40% and we are ramping up our software implementation team as Mercato launches the KnowledgeKube.com platform that enables users to create and automate intelligent business processes.
“We are now well positioned for our next stage of growth and this grant sends a clear message that the government is committed to supporting the knowledge-based economy on national and regional levels.”
Probrand’s investment is being part-funded by a £100,000 grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Land and Property Programme. This programme is managed by Birmingham City Council on behalf of the Department for Communities & Local Government.
It is the first time that a Birmingham-based technology company has secured such a grant, which forms part of the Government’s programme to help successful businesses drive innovation within the knowledge-based economy.
A fund of nearly £4m is available to businesses in Birmingham’s Digbeth and Jewellery Quarter areas looking to develop vacant, derelict or underused properties into quality business floorspace.
The aim of the programme is to stimulate business activity in the Digbeth and Jewellery Quarter area of the city leading to an increase in quality business floorspace and the creation/safeguarding of over 300 jobs. A number of businesses in jewellery related, creative and manufacturing industries, have already received assistance.
The funding comes after a strong start to the year for Queen’s Award winning Probrand, which provides over 150,000 computer products from 2,500 manufacturers via on online portal.
Cllr Tahir Ali, cabinet member for Development Skills and Jobs at Birmingham City Council, said: “The city council is committed to helping local businesses to expand and create employment opportunities. The support offered to Probrand to refurbish a derelict area of its property, will enable business expansion and job creation in the technology sector. This is proof that the Property Assistance Programme is making a positive difference in the Jewellery Quarter.”
Kate Canty, chairman of the Birmingham Employment and Skills Board, said: “Technology is fast becoming the new manufacturing industry across the region, driving rapid growth and employment.
“We need to harness the existing growth base of technology leaders like Probrand to drive sustained job creation well into the future. It is good news to see these latest developments support that objective.”
