Connected Data Solutions is a specialist technology company which helps businesses to manage their workforce by integrating different types of IT systems used to keep staff information accurate and up-to-date. Since moving into Moorgate Crofts in 2016, the company has been able to take advantage of the flexible licence terms offered by RiDO Business Centres as the business grew.
Founded in 2015 by experienced software engineers Paul Chatwin and Andy Ford who drew on their extensive development expertise to launch a new range of products which support businesses with large numbers of staff.
Having initially run the business from home, as demand for their services increased the duo quickly realised additional members of staff would need to recruited, and office space would be needed to fuel their growth ambitions. Andy and Paul also realised that as new entrepreneurs, it would be essential to access business advice to help them realise their growth ambitions.
After spending time researching different options, Andy and Paul approached Moorgate Crofts. Offering a central location, good access to public transport links, on-site parking and crucially, business advice readily available within the centre, Moorgate Crofts was quickly identified as Andy and Paul’s preferred choice.
Just ten months after launching the business, Connected Data Solutions moved into one of the centre’s dedicated business incubation units. It proved to be an ideal platform to grow the business further and within just four months of relocating to Moorgate Crofts, Connected Data Solutions had outgrown its first unit and was ready to recruit additional members of staff.
Taking advantage of the flexible leasing terms offered at RiDO business centres, Connected Data Solutions relocated a larger office. After a successful 18 months which saw the company secure contracts with 3M and Epson, its workforce had doubled again. Andy and Paul were also ready to launch its first product. When an opportunity arose to relocate to a larger unit, they seized the chance, moving to its office unit within less than two years.
Connected Data Solutions’ first product, Roll Call, is a fire alarm monitoring system which enables all staff working on a site to be identified quickly during an evacuation procedure. Today, Connected Data Solutions acts as a delivery partner for US-based software giant Kronos where it helps businesses throughout the world to seamlessly integrate HR, Payroll, task management and sales, helping to save both time and money; and with a number of other new products in development, Moorgate Crofts has helped to provide the business with a platform to grow and evolve.
Andy Ford, co-founder, Connected Data Solutions said:
“We were keen to find premises which could not only provide us with a platform to grow our business, but crucially also helped us to access business support. Working in Moorgate Crofts is like being a part of a community; everyone supports each other and there is an incredible amount of knowledge and expertise within the building. The building had everything we needed and we knew that it would not only support our short term goals, but also had great facilities to help us grow the business.
“Like many new entrepreneurs we were unsure how quickly the business would grow. The flexible leasing terms offered at Moorgate Crofts has enabled us to source office space which suits our needs, and as we have recruited additional members of staff, we’ve been able to move to larger units without the added hassle of changing our telephone numbers or address.”
Amanda Parris, RiDO Business centres said:
“Connected Data Solutions has enjoyed rapid growth over the past three years and with a number of exciting projects in the pipeline the business has a very bright future. It was very clear from an early stage that it was equally important for the business to be able to find the right business support, as well as sourcing suitable premises. We have helped the company to access specialist support from the RiDO business support team as well as specialist help from the Sheffield City Region Growth Hub.
“At RiDO we understand no new business owner has a crystal ball and the needs of a company can change rapidly. The flexible leasing terms we offer enables companies to relocate to larger units without the stress and costs of relocating to new business premises.”
To find out more about the latest developments at Connected Data Solutions, visit: www.connecteddata.solutions
Based close to Rotherham Town Centre, Moorgate Crofts comprises of 56 business units ranging from working space suitable for one person to a workforce of up to six staff. To arrange a viewing of the current offices available at the centre, call: 01709 331111
