ONE of Lancashire's most cutting-edge companies has landed a top IT award. Cardium Solutions is the first company in the North West to be granted Microsoft Gold Partner for Enterprise Systems accreditation.

"The award underlines the high level of expertise we can offer our clients," said Michael Carter. "We have invested a lot in training and it has paid off through this award.

"It means we will have unrivalled access to Microsoft in terms of support and new product releases.

"This is good news for us and for our clients."

The Rossendale-based company originally gained Mircrosoft Partner status in 1997. But Enterprise Systems Gold status is only given to companies who have reached a certain level of competence.

In effect, that means having highly qualified staff and a track record of achievement with clients. Cardium had to provide three case studies, which were verified by Microsoft.

Added Michael: "The case studies looked at work we had done for the architect Sir Norman Foster, Iceland Foods and the NHS in Essex. They were three very different projects requiring completely different thinking."

Cardium was established six years ago by Michael and fellow directors John Wilcock and Paul Monaghan.

"We help companies large and small to design, implement and run their IT networks. Our company slogan is 'Making it easy' and that's precisely what we try to do for our clients," said Michael.

Cardium Solutions is also a member of the Digital Industries Lancashire, a consortium of over 60 companies.