Partner Article

Newcastle based OPAL helping our heroes with IT

Newcastle based IT company OPAL is excited to announce the addition of a national charity to its portfolio of clients today.

The partnership sees OPAL, who also have an office in Edinburgh and cover the UK, managing all IT support for the registered charity Armed Forces & Veterans Launchpad across their two residential sites, in Newcastle and Liverpool.

AF&V Launchpad is a registered charity, providing affordable rental accommodation with on-site support to Armed Forces veterans of all ages and their partners. With accommodation in Byker, Newcastle and Speke, Liverpool, the charity provides a base for residents to successfully make the transition from military to civilian life. To date Launchpad has looked after 125 residents, with over half gaining employment thanks to the charities efforts. Considering that many of the veterans arrived from challenging circumstances, this is a remarkable achievement.

The centres offer residents communal areas with access to an IT suite of computers, internet and WiFi access so they can create CVs and apply for jobs, helping them integrate back into the local community.

Chairman of Trustees David Shaw CBE commented “We initially approached OPAL to take care of our IT at Avondale House in Newcastle. Their professional approach to the project and in-depth knowledge was exactly what we were looking for. It’s rare to find a company with such a friendly and consultative approach, and this was the key factor in the partnership which now sees OPAL looking after all IT requirements for Launchpad.”

Andrew Metcalfe, Managing Director for OPAL, said “As a business, being able to support any charity is always a pleasure but being given the opportunity to work with a national charity with a local base here in Newcastle for Armed Forces veterans is superb.”

Launchpad’s Avondale House in Byker, visited by Prince Harry back in February 2015, offers over 30 self-contained flats all with WiFi access as well as the IT suite in the communal area.

Launchpad is just one of many high profile clients currently working with OPAL who announced their partnership with international footwear retailer Schuh back in June.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rebecca McEwan .