Tech services provider scores Rugby League contract

Baildon-based technology services provider ACS IT has been appointed by the Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) to support the IT operations throughout the tournament which kicks off on Saturday, October 15.

ACS IT had an existing working relationship with the Rugby Football League (RFL). This included ACS IT’s successful execution of relocating the RFL from its Leeds and Salford offices to new headquarters at the Etihad campus in Manchester.

Due to this, the RFL recommended ACS IT for the tender to offer IT support services for the RLWC2021. After being awarded the project out of the three tendering providers, ACS IT is acting as an extension of the RLWC2021 team by providing strategic IT planning services and supporting the day-to-day running of IT equipment.

In addition, the provider is working closely with the tournament’s coordination centre to support the RLWC2021’s events team with IT requirements. ACS IT is part of the ACS Group which employs close to 130 people and has a turnover of £26m. Other ACS Group customers include Lloyds Pharmacy, DVSA, Vertu Motors, Dixons Academies Trust and The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Stephen Brown, chief operating officer at RLWC2021, commented: “From our close relationship with the RFL, we knew the ACS IT team was pivotal in the planning and delivery of the technology for the organisation’s new home. It was a complex project requiring full operational functionality from day one, so it was clear that ACS IT could be relied upon to help us deliver the RLWC2021”.

Established in 2008, ACS Group comprises six divisions providing services to private and public sector organisations. In addition to ACS IT, ACS Office delivers workplace solutions, ACS Express stocks and sells 25,000 office products and ACS Print provides professional print services. ACS Managed Print takes care of entire print environments and ASC Interiors specialises in creating productive and inviting workspaces.

Commenting on the contract win, Carl Whitham, head of managed IT at ACS IT, said: “It’s an honour to be able support the delivery of the RLWC2021. After months of planning, we are looking forward working with the RLWC2021 team to help deliver an outstanding tournament experience for supporters, players and officials from around the world.”

The RLWC2021 starts on Saturday, October 15 at St James’ Park in Newcastle when England play Samoa, with the finals taking place on Saturday, November 19 in Manchester. Old Trafford will host both the men’s and women’s double-header final and the wheelchair final will take place at Manchester Central.

In addition to its Baildon head office facilities, ACS Group has a 27,000 sq ft storage and distribution centre in nearby Shipley which was opened at the start of the year.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily

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