Member Article

Harrogate language school signs cloud computing contract

Harrogate-based YorkshireCloud.co.uk has won a new contract to provide cloud computing services for Harrogate Language Academy, which has centres both in the town and in Leeds.

The YorkshireCloud.co.uk concept was launched last year after managing director Jonathan Edwards found it impossible to source reputable and cost-effective cloud computing solutions for clients.

With an in-house team of technical specialists, Edwards designed and built a bespoke cloud solution for small organisations, with data hosted on dedicated secure servers located in Leeds and Wakefield.

Academy director, Kirsten Henry, said: “We hadn’t really considered moving our IT over to the cloud but with two centres and large numbers of students we quickly realised that it made sense, and the benefits have been impressive.

“Not only can teachers instantly access and print learning materials from laptops in the classroom, but the hugely increased flexibility of staff being able to work at home or while travelling has benefited the whole organisation and enabled us to be more responsive.”

She added: “It seemed daunting at first, but the team at Yorkshire Cloud are down to earth and good at making the whole process pain free, so the transition from PC to cloud was fast and smooth.”

Established in 1976, Harrogate Language Academy is a British Council-accredited language school, which teaches around 200 young adults a year and employs 40 staff.

The academy is also an accredited IELTS test centre and runs the official English language test that is used to assess overseas entrants to British universities as well as foreign nationals who want to practise as doctors or dentists in the UK. Last year the academy tested almost 4,500 students.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Lane .