An ambitious North East computing business has secured the industry-leading Microsoft Gold Cloud Platform Partner status.
Stockton-based Circle Cloud – which specialises in implementing and managing cloud computing systems Office 365 and Microsoft Azure – is one of only two businesses in the region to receive the stamp of approval from the multinational tech giant.
Securing the accreditation involved demonstrating a high level of competency and expertise with Microsoft technologies – including demonstrating a high number of sales, providing client testimonials and multiple consultants passing a number of technical exams.
And now, the growing company has been praised by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen for its accomplishment.
Tomas Roberton, director of Circle Cloud, said: “We feel very proud to have achieved this prestigious Microsoft Gold Cloud Platform Partner status.
“Having provided cloud computing systems across a number of sectors for more than five years, our clients already know we’re committed to delivering a high level of service.
“This reinforces that we are specialists in Microsoft Cloud and gives them even more confidence that they have chosen the right partner.
“It’s also great that the Mayor has recognised our achievement. We’re more than happy to play our part in showcasing the expertise and accomplishments of digital businesses based in the North East, specifically Tees Valley.”
The area has one of the fastest growing digital clusters in the country supporting 7,000 jobs and making a contribution of £211 million to the local economy.
The Mayor has previously championed the sector as crucial to Tees Valley’s future growth and resilience and visited Circle Cloud to learn more about its recent success.
He said: “I’m delighted to congratulate Tomas and the team on such an achievement. I’m thrilled to see a business in our region not only succeed, but go on to achieve such an elite tier of partnership with one of the world’s largest companies.
“This announcement just goes to prove that the Tees Valley supports entrepreneurs, innovators and small and medium size businesses.
“The respected Microsoft Gold Cloud Platform Partner status shows our area is home to firms with the highest, most specialised capabilities to meet the growing demands of our businesses.
“It also demonstrates our global strength in the fast, growing and vibrant digital and technology sector and that we are a dynamic place to work, live and invest.”
The Fusion Hive-based business, which emerged from Teesside University’s Launchpad incubator, has also recently expanded its workforce following a string of important contract wins.
Michael Povey, also director at Circle Cloud, said: “The news comes at an exciting time for our company – we’ve taken on two new members of staff to meet demand for our services, including an experienced cloud consultant and an apprentice.
“We have a clear strategy in place for further expansion and this level of credibility will help us strengthen our offering and achieve further growth.”