A North West leader in scaffolding, mast climbers and hoists has raised the bar in terms of its technology capability after teaming up with Burnley-based Holker IT.

Allied Access - recognised as one of the UK construction sector’s frontrunners for safe, combined access solutions - has made a ‘significant investment’ in state-of-the-art IT at its headquarters in Oldham.

Technology and Cyber Security specialists Holker IT has completed a series of projects over a 10-month timeframe, including an email migration, the replacement of an ageing firewall and the installation of a fibre optic link into a new training room housed in a separate building.

“It’s a big deal for us - in every respect,” said Carl Bracken, Finance Director at Allied Access, a progressive firm that has enjoyed remarkable growth since starting out in 1983 from small lock-up premises with just two three-tonne trucks. Now Allied Access is one of the largest independently-owned access companies in the North of England, operating out of multiple sites in Oldham, Preston, St Helens and Cannock.

“We have 35 years’ experience, employ 150 staff and work with some of the biggest names in construction on key infrastructure projects,” added Mr Bracken. “In common with most businesses, our success also depends on how we manage client and their data, so having the right level of IT expertise is paramount.

“Holker IT came strongly recommended and we also knew some of their main people through previous business dealings. What they provide in terms of systems, support, standards, flexibility and value completely ties in with our way of working. We are also aware of the ever-increasing threat of cyber crime and are now looking to Holker IT to help us achieve the Cyber Essentials certification.”

Matthew Metcalfe, managing director at Holker IT, based in Jubilee House, Phoenix Way, Burnley, said: “We are delighted to have been entrusted with the IT provision of one of the county’s most progressive companies. Management at Allied Access had some very specific IT requirements and we were mindful of completing the work with minimum disruption as there are a number of users who require remote access.

“It was a complex and challenging assignment, but we managed to achieve it on budget and on time and are hoping for a continuing business partnership with Allied Access.”