A specialist in information and communications technology (ICT) is to grow its footprint at a thriving business centre in Portsmouth.
Curatrix Technologies, led by Managing Director Martyn Randell, moved their IT support team into a four-person office at Portsmouth Technopole six months ago [November 2018] before relocating their data protection and telecoms specialists to the centre in February.
Curatrix has plans to increase their space further in 2019 to cater for new employees as well as continuing with their programme for university interns.
With 50% of reported business crime in Hampshire now reportedly cyber related, Curatrix works with Hampshire Chamber Professional Service Forum and the new Shaping Portsmouth steering group to bring about a safer digital environment for SMEs across the region.
As well as making an impact locally, one of Curatrix’s data protection end user clients is the world-renowned London School of Economics and Political Science – LSE – which has helped in raising the company’s profile further.
Technology-driven managed ICT services by the firm include desktop and server support, cloud application support, ICT security management, back-up and disaster recovery, telephony, network and internet services.
Martyn said: “Curatrix is an early-stage venture which is already becoming a recognised market disruptor by challenging traditional solutions in the fast-paced world of IT security and unified communications across telecommunications and computers, and ideally positioned for companies with between 20 to 100 staff.
“First and foremost, it is about doing the right thing for the customer through a suite of customised solutions, aimed at bringing about efficiencies and cost reductions, which in turn enable organisations to invest in improving their IT/comms security and compliance.
“The problem with our industry is that without any regulatory body, such as Ofcom, it provides opportunity for overly commercial IT companies to exploit SMEs where internal knowledge in these areas is limited.
“For us it is all about two-way trust – we listen, understand and lead our customers accordingly, looking to realign their IT budget to ensure that it is as secure and efficient as possible. This procurement/technical approach is the key to our success.”
Martyn added: “The Technopole is already proving a great place to work because of the entrepreneurial culture and convenient commuter location by the M275, with the M27, A3 (M) and A27 in quick reach.
“What’s more, we can draw upon the collaborative events held here and the sister centres in Hampshire – Fareham Innovation Centre, Ocean Village Innovation Centre and BASE Bordon Innovation Centre. We’re being introduced to a diverse range of companies and are forging links with university interns as Curatrix looks to increase placements and staff at our nerve centre at the Technopole.”
Oxford Innovation, the UK’s leading operator of Innovation Centres, manages Portsmouth Technopole on behalf of the University of Portsmouth, which owns the building.
Robin Sheppard, Centre Manager at Portsmouth Technopole, said: “Curatrix is another superb example of an innovative business at the Technopole, creating and delivering ICT solutions that challenge established solutions, including through its own propriety software.”
According to industry reports, the UK’s ICT industry is worth £97 billion annually and the cyber security market is worth nearly £3.8 billion following increased cyber threats and the rise in connected services.
Dr Peter Lee, Director, Security and Risk, University of Portsmouth, said: “Cybersecurity is essential for any well-functioning, safe and prosperous society and is part of our institutional DNA at the University of Portsmouth.
“Our cutting-edge research and teaching programmes address the technical, psychological and social challenges of cybersecurity, and underpin our relationships and projects with key partner organisations.”
In a separate development, Curatrix has been awarded Microsoft Silver Partner status for successfully deploying and managing Microsoft 365, Office 365 and Azure based solutions to SMEs.
As part of the process Microsoft required customer references for successful implementations and confirmation of customer satisfaction.
Supporting businesses within the region and helping to develop stronger working relationships between students, academics and business, Portsmouth Technopole is one of the university’s innovation centres, known collectively as Innovation Connect.
Other University of Portsmouth centres are Cell Block Studios, Innovation Space and The Future Technology Centre.
