A Gateshead-based IT firm is riding the crest of a wave after winning a contract to provide IT and security technology for a new £15m surf complex in Wales.The undisclosed six-figure work will see Advantex installing a Wi-Fi infrastructure at Surf Snowdonia to deliver and support state-of-the-art IP (Internet Protocol) telephony, access control and intruder alarm services.
Surf Snowdonia opened at the beginning of August on the site of a former aluminium factory on the edge of the Snowdonia national park and the river Conwy, and generates the world’s longest man-made surfing wave – up to 2m high – every minute.
Built around the installation of high performance internet cabling, the IT infrastructure will meet the needs of hundreds of staff and thousands of visitors at a site encompassing shops, cafes and accommodation pods on a plot roughly the size of six football pitches.
All the necessary broadband and telecoms infrastructure, which has specifically been designed to accommodate future upgrades as the surfing and water sports park gears up to meet the expected increase in future visitor numbers, will be installed by Advantex.
The move is the latest success for the Follingsby Park-based firm, which predicts turnover of £4m to grow by 20% by the end of the year.
Currently employing 45 people, directors Stephen and Dave O’Connell expect further investment in the workforce over the next six months to support growth and meet the continuing demands of other regional and national customers.
These include hospitality group Fat Brewer, five star hotel and golf complex Rockliffe Hall and car dealership Simon Bailes Peugeot.
Advantex won the Surf Snowdonia contract in the face of competition due to its cost effective solution, networking skills and IT expertise, enabling it to ensure that the work will be completed ahead of the park’s August opening.
Although the brief was for infrastructure and security technology, Advantex will also be providing a project management service as part of an overall package of IT consultancy expertise and aftersales product support.
Andy Ainscough, director of operations at Surf Snowdonia, said Advantex impressed with its expertise and ability to deliver and support a large-scale infrastructure project.
“As a trusted and valued IT partner, Advantex has worked hard to secure our contract with a state-of-the-art solution that reflects the scale, ambition and quality of the Surf Snowdonia experience and brand.
“With its expertise and system design capabilities, the firm’s cost effective solution will meet our needs long into the future.”
Stephen O’Connell said: This prestigious contract is a massive boost for us, strongly reinforcing our position as one of the top suppliers of advanced network solutions.
“It clearly demonstrates we have the ability and expertise to deliver any size of project, anywhere on time, within budget and to the highest specification regardless of location.”
Advantex was established in 2002 and achieved the prestigious ISO9001/2000 industry quality mark within its first year of trading and holds the IOS9001/2008 mark.
The firm is an accredited Microsoft, Cisco and Mitel partner, providing a single source package, which combines to deliver flexibility, added value and cost saving benefits. More at www.advantex.uk.com or tel. 0845 222 0666