Leeds telecommunications company in business continuity push

The LEP has supported a major telecommunications company to expand its base in Leeds, creating more than 30 jobs. 

Ideal location supports business growth

Already working with 35 of the FTSE 100 companies, aql’s chief executive Adam Beaumont believes Leeds is the perfect location to provide back-up to failure of London systems. 

Dr Beaumont said the project would be delivered over the “medium term” and that the construction of new data centres by the company, which has invested millions of pounds into the regional economy, would continue. 

Creating skilled jobs for local people

The latest of these is set to create more than 30 jobs in the city after a £548,000 grant from the LEP.

Dr Beaumont said: “The grant has been extremely beneficial in helping to progress our latest data centre which, in turn, will create a number of jobs across a range of skill sets and enable us to push ahead with our business continuity strategy. 

“Organisations such as the LEP are doing a great job at a regional and national level in terms of driving investment in the digital sector and working with businesses of all sizes to ensure they see the benefit of that. That in turn is helping to create jobs and drive economic growth.” 

New data systems to rival capital

Commenting on aql’s plans for the future, Dr Beaumont said: “Leeds is the only city outside of London with an independent internet exchange –allowing infrastructure in our City to have a gamut of London-independent connectivity choices to Europe, US and Asia. 

“If systems were to go down, Leeds would be capable of providing a seamless back-up to ensure operations remain functional, saving organisations time, money and substantial headaches.