New office for IT forensics group

DEMAND for its services has led North Yorkshire-based computer and mobile phone forensics group MC Ware and HD Forensics to open a new office.

The firm, whose headquarters are in Stokesley, is hoping to create six new jobs over the coming months following the opening of its Leeds branch.

Simon Mitchell, one of the UK’s leading computer forensics investigators, has been appointed to head the West Yorkshire operation.

HD Forensics is a computer and mobile phone forensics specialist and security consultancy company providing an impartial, independent professional digital forensic investigation service to both defence and prosecution clients.

The business has worked on several high profile cases and provides an expert witness service for court.

All of the company’s specialists are trained and certified by the UK’s leading legal training consultancy for non-lawyers, Bond Solon, and Cardiff University

MC Ware was established in 1998 and specialises in the anti-spam field, managing network installations, disaster recovery, telephone systems, marine installations and web and internet design.

Last year is almost doubled its workforce to 15. The group combined saw profits rise by more than 40% to around £1.6m.

As well as winning new contracts with businesses in areas such as hospitality and professional services, MC Ware has recently been appointed to work in sectors including oil and gas, marine and renewable energy.

To cope with this growth, MC Ware almost doubled its workforce from 8 in 2008 to 15 and is already recruiting more investigators and support staff to work for HD Forensics in Leeds.

Jonathan Wheatley, who runs both businesses, said: “2009 was an extremely successful year for both MC Ware and HD Forensics, which saw demand for services increase dramatically.

“This was largely down to the fact that we have broken into new sectors and offer a specialised service.”