Jan 072016
 
Aberdeen, Tuesday, 24th March 2015 Clark Integrated Technologies, Auchterless, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8EP (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

Clark IT management team (from left) Marie Adams, Amar Mirashi, Austen Clark and Margo Robertson.

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

2016 is a milestone year for leading North-east ICT specialists Clark Integrated Technologies which celebrates 25 years in business.

Clark IT is marking its silver anniversary with a series of special events, including a gala dinner at Fyvie Castle in July.

From humble beginnings – Clark Computers started trading from the family farm near Turriff – the business has grown into a company with 26 employees that is regarded as a leading independent provider of managed Information and Communications Technology solutions to a broad range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland.

The company’s integrated solutions provide industry-leading services, productivity and cost effective IT platforms for business growth, allowing its clients to outsource key services to improve performance freeing their own time and resources to focus on core business.

In the past year alone, Clark IT was named among the top managed service providers in the world in the annual MSP mentor 501 list; it achieved  ISO 9001 and its support of modern  apprenticeships was recognised when the company came runner-up in the Microsoft Scottish apprentice employer of the year award.

The firm, based at Auchterless, near Turriff, is a Microsoft Silver Partner, a quality standard approved by the global tech company and is a one of only a handful of authorised Apple consultants in Scotland with dedicated support technicians experienced in the use of Apple products in the business world.

Managing director Austen Clark says:

“Clark IT has come a long way in 25 years – just think of the technological advances there have been in that period that have revolutionised the way we live and do business.

“We face the future with considerable optimism and look forward to many more years of growth and positively contributing to the economy of the North-east of Scotland.”

Founded in 1991 as Clark Computers by current chairman Graham Clark, the business was set up with a staff of 2 and operated from its rural location outside Turriff. The steady development and growth of the company facilitated the need for larger premises and it moved to its current site at Auchterless, which was previously the Towie Tavern, in 2003.

Clark IT is a leading independent provider of managed Information and Communications Technology solutions to a broad range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland. For more information, see the firm’s website at www.clark-it.com

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Sep 072015
 

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Aberdeen, Tuesday, 24th March 2015 Clark Integrated Technologies, Auchterless, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8EP (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

Margo Robertson says gaining the ISO 9001 accreditation is a boost for Clark IT

Gaining an international standard could help open the door to new business opportunities for North-east technology specialists Clark Integrated Technologies.

Following assessment of the company’s systems for improving customer satisfaction and quality requirements, Clark IT has been awarded ISO9001 accreditation from certification body NQA.

ISO standards ensure that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality, based on a number of quality management principles.

Recognising the specialist nature and rigorous processes required to gain accreditation, Clark IT enlisted the services of CBO Associates and its consultant Clark Boles to develop and work with them on quality management systems.

Achieving the globally recognised standard is an indication of Clark IT’s commitment to quality and excellence, says commercial director Margo Robertson.

She says:

“This helps sharpen business processes, increases efficiency and, we hope, will open doors to new clients as well as strengthening our existing business.

“We are a heavily focused process environment, committed to delivering a quality service and it is great to achieve this quality stamp that shows we are doing things by the book.”

Based near Turriff, Clark IT has almost 25 years’ experience in providing industry leading support and delivering business-class technology. It is a leading independent provider of managed Information and Communications Technology solutions to a broad range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland.

It has a large client base in both Aberdeen City and Shire, and has also expanded its client base in the Inverness area.

For more information, visit www.clark-it.com

 

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Aug 132015
 
Mike Scott

Moving on to fresh challenges at Clark IT is Mike Scott has taken up a post at with the independent IT specialists after losing his job in the oil and gas sector.

With thanks to Esther Green, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR

The downturn in the oil and gas sector has brought about change in the jobs market which is allowing small to medium enterprises to capitalise by recruiting experienced personnel previously employed in the energy business.

Clark Integrated Technologies’ latest recruit Mike Scott was made redundant from a global oil and gas firm earlier this year.

A matter of a few months after losing his job he was appointed a senior technical support analyst at the Turriff-based firm – and is enjoying the challenges his new role brings.

He’s gone from working for a multi-national organisation to being part of a small but go ahead company that’s core business is providing IT managed services to a large and diverse range of clients.

While Mike (40) admits that losing his job was a blow, he says that it led him to seek out new opportunities.

He says:

“I’m a great believer that you can react or respond to any situation and I try and respond and aim to find the best solution I can.

“Losing my job has given me the opportunity to use my knowledge and skills and join a company that has a real buzz about it. Clark has a wide range of clients and that in itself provides different opportunities and clients to work with.

“I’ve settled in really well, and it’s a friendly workplace where people are motivated to perform and deliver results that meets the demands of the business. There’s a fantastic close knit team spirit throughout the organisation.”

He adds: “Apart from working from home, I’ve got one of the shortest commutes to work as the Clark IT office is just 2.9 miles from home!”

After more than 23 years of working, 17 of those in IT, Mike has seen many changes in the industry and says it is now much more positively embraced by the business world.

“The view of IT has certainly matured,” explains Mike.

“We used to be viewed as techy geeks like you see in the IT Crowd, but over time it has emerged and developed and IT has become more aligned to business strategy and policy.

“IT has shifted from being reactive to taking a more proactive approach, getting ahead of issues and taking control into IT instead of constantly firefighting. There’s more planning and that in turn provides better services.”

Mike has filled one of three new posts at Clark IT, reflecting a growing demand for its specialist services. Clark is expanding by taking on a new apprentice and new client account manager to support the provision of managed ICT solutions to a range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland and beyond.

Globally, thousands of oil and gas jobs have been shed within the last few months as a result of falling production levels. Personnel are now are looking at different sectors for employment, with benefits for small to medium enterprises.

Commercial director Margo Robertson says:

“We’re thrilled to have Mike on board and already he has become a valued member of the team with his positive can-do approach.

“The down turn in oil and gas has seen an upturn in individuals contacting us to seek out alternative job opportunities. Whilst experience is required for many of our roles, the personal qualities of an applicant are important too.

“We look for individuals who are dynamic and who we know will fit in with our culture, current team and our clients. Qualities which are relevant in our current round of recruitment where we are looking to appoint two apprentices and two client account managers.”

Clark IT has over 20 years of experience in providing industry leading support and delivering business-class technology. The company’s integrated solutions provide industry leading services, productivity and cost effective IT platforms for business growth.

With a client base in both Aberdeen City and Shire, Clark IT has also expanded into the Inverness area.

 

Clark Integrated Technologies:

Clark IT was founded in 1991 and is one of Scotland’s leading independent providers of managed ICT solutions to a broad range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland and beyond.

With a wealth of technological and commercial experience, supported by an established reputation, Clark IT offers clients reliable and honest strategic advice on all aspects of Information and Communications Technology. Find out more by visiting www.clark-it.com or calling 01888 511 441.

In March, Inverness-based The Castle Group, specialists in the provision of professional security services across Scotland, announced a new contract with Clark IT to provide the company with enhanced technology, upgraded devices and IT support.

Jul 242015
 
Aberdeen, Tuesday, 24th March 2015 Clark Integrated Technologies, Auchterless, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8EP (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

Austen Clark, managing director of Clark IT. Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

Clark Integrated Technologies (Clark IT) is helping businesses in the North and North-east to tap into a government grant of up to £3,000 to enable them to benefit from faster broadband.

Clark IT is participating in the Connection Voucher Scheme (CVS) available to businesses in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and
Inverness.

CVS aims to assist businesses to meet the upfront capital costs of a high speed and high grade broadband connection to the premises.

The CVS covers grants of up to £3,000 for setting up superfast broadband services and is a great opportunity for small and medium enterprises to upgrade their current services and reap the benefits, says Austen Clark, managing director of Clark IT.

“Upgrading broadbrand brings real benefits to businesses and a better connection can help you to boost your bottom line in so many ways,” Mr Clark says.

“This scheme offers businesses, charities, social enterprises and sole traders the potential to benefit from speedier response times, increased staff productivity and perhaps provide real options to migrate to Cloud based solutions such as Office 365 and more.”

Already more than 25,000 vouchers have been issued across the UK, allowing businesses to grow and have the scope to:

  • Increase profits by offering better services to more satisfied customers
  • Improve customer experience with quicker communication and faster file-sharing thanks to higher upload and download speeds, especially for large files
  • Reduce software and hardware costs by helping you switch to online data storage solutions
  • Enhance communication and collaboration through online video conference and cloud-based information sharing
  • Future-proof business with the latest technology to meet customer needs

Broadband Connection Vouchers are available to Small or Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in qualifying areas where installation of a new broadband connection will cost over £100 and where the broadband service selected delivers a speed or performance improvement on the current connection.

Other eligibility rules apply and to find out more about options available to your business, contact Clark IT on 01888 511441 or email  info@clark-it.com

Clark IT has over 20 years of experience in providing industry leading support and delivering business-class technology. The company’s integrated solutions provide industry leading services, productivity and cost effective IT platforms for business growth.

With a client base in both Aberdeen City and Shire, Clark IT has also expanded into the Inverness area.

For more information, see the firm’s website at www.clark-it.com

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Jun 052015
 
Aberdeen, Tuesday, 24th March 2015 Clark Integrated Technologies, Auchterless, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8EP (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

Neil Warren. (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

With thanks to Esther Green, Tricker PR.

North-east firm Clark Integrated Technologies marked Scottish Apprenticeship Week in style – by coming runner up in the Microsoft Scottish Apprentice Employer of the Year award for small employers.

The technology firm was nominated by one of their own apprentices in the Scotland-wide quest to recognise good practice and help for young people taking the first steps in their technology careers.

18 year old Neil Warren from Oldmeldrum accompanied his boss Austen Clark to the Scottish Parliament where they were presented with the award by Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training.

Since being taken on as the company’s first apprentice earlier this year Neil has become a valued part of the Clark IT team – and judges said they were impressed that Neil had put forward his employers for the honour, saying it demonstrated that he was being ably supported in advancing his career.

Speaking after the awards, Mr Clark, managing director of Clark IT said:

“We had no idea Neil had nominated us for this award so it came completely out of the blue to be told we were shortlisted, and to be invited to Edinburgh to attend the presentations.

“Neil has demonstrated to us the benefits that apprentices bring to business, and we’re delighted that he has become part of the Clark family team.

“Employing young people as modern apprentices will certainly be something that we as a company will seek to pursue in the future.”

Microsoft has developed its Modern Apprenticeship to help businesses in Scotland access talent to build their businesses, and as a way for local young people to gain high quality IT skills and long term employment. Its awards recognise the significant impact made by Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland with both employers and candidates.

Working with over 1,500 commercial partners in Scotland, as well as training partners, the scheme supports young people aged 16-24, improving vital technical skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

2015 marks the 5th Anniversary of the awards, part of the ‘Get On’ programme which has helped many young people at the start of their careers, including over 7000 apprentices directly employed and trained by Microsoft partners and customers.

Clark IT has over 20 years of experience in providing industry leading support and delivering business-class technology. The company’s integrated solutions provide industry leading services, productivity and cost effective IT platforms for business growth. Its client base stretches from Aberdeen to Inverness.

For more information, see the firm’s website at www.clark-it.com

 

May 152015
 
Aberdeen, Tuesday, 24th March 2015 Clark Integrated Technologies, Auchterless, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8EP (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

Clark IT apprentice Neil Warren nominated his employers for the Microsoft Scottish Apprentice Employer of the Year award.

With thanks to Beverly Tricker.

North-east firm Clark Integrated Technologies is in the running for the Microsoft Scottish Apprentice Employer of the Year award.

Neil Warren (18) from Oldmeldrum joined Clark Integrated Technologies (IT) as the company’s first ever apprentice earlier this year, and nominated his employers for the accolade.

The firm has reached the finals and Neil will accompany managing director Austen Clark to the Scottish Parliament later this month, where the winners will be announced.

Neil has appreciated the chance to gain a wide range of on-the-job experience and training through the QA apprenticeship scheme, and felt Clark IT deserved recognition for the “incredible” start they have offered him.

Neil says:

“They took a bit of a risk, taking me on for my enthusiasm, rather than my qualifications as I didn’t have as much to offer on paper as the other applicants.

“Now I’m getting proper training and work experience across a wide range of IT, so I’ve got the best of both worlds which is incredible.”

The winners will be announced at an evening reception at Holyrood in Edinburgh on May 20, during Scottish Apprenticeship Week which runs from 18-22 May.

Aberdeen, Tuesday, 24th March 2015 Clark Integrated Technologies, Auchterless, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 8EP (Picture by Michal Wachucik/Newsline Media Ltd)

Microsoft has developed its Modern Apprenticeship activity to help businesses in Scotland access talent to build their businesses, and as a way for local young people to gain high quality IT skills and long term employment. Its awards recognise the significant impact made by Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland with both employers and candidates.

Working with over 1,500 commercial partners in Scotland, as well as training partners, the scheme supports young people aged 16-24, improving vital technical skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

Taking on the company’s first modern apprentice has been a positive move for Clark IT, according to Mr Clark, who says:

“Neil nominating us for this award came completely out of the blue and it shows how much he’s valued becoming part of the Clark IT family.

“Equally, he has become a valued employee, showing us the benefits that apprentices bring to business. He’s fitted in really well and as a company we are delighted to be providing training within the workplace to help young employees develop and reach their potential.”

Clark IT has over 20 years of experience in providing industry leading support and delivering business-class technology. The company’s integrated solutions provide industry leading services, productivity and cost effective IT platforms for business growth.

With a client base in both Aberdeen City and Shire, a recent development has seen the expansion of Clark IT into the Inverness area.

About Clark IT:

Clark Integrated Technologies (Clark IT) was founded in 1991 and is one of Scotland’s leading independent providers of managed ICT solutions to a broad range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland and beyond.

With a wealth of technological and commercial experience, supported by an established reputation, Clark IT offers clients reliable and honest strategic advice on all aspects of Information and Communications Technology. Find out more by visiting www.clark-it.com or calling 01888 511 441.

In March, Inverness-based The Castle Group, specialists in the provision of professional security services across Scotland, announced a new contract with Clark IT to provide the company with enhanced technology, upgraded devices and IT support.

Apr 232015
 

With thanks Esther Green, Tricker PR.

Clarklogo2A North-east firm has been ranked among the top managed service providers for IT in the world, according to a global guide published this month.

For the fourth year in a row, Clark Integrated Technologies (IT) features in the annual MSPmentor 501 Global Edition award listings.

And as well as its place in the MSPmentor 501 list, Clark IT appears on the Top 50 for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for a second time. Only one other Scottish firm has made it onto the EMEA Top 50.

Reflecting on the firm’s achievement, Austen Clark, Managing Director of Clark IT says:

“It is fantastic to be recognised again by MSPmentor, and it is a great achievement for the team to be ranked in the EMEA Top 50 for a second time.

“We are committed to working in partnership with our clients to deliver support and solutions to drive efficiency throughout their business.”

Each year, MSPmentor gathers information for its annual rankings through the participation of managed service providers and IT service providers in their annual survey.

The survey was conducted from December 2014 through January 2015 and rankings are based Penton Technology’s unique criteria for MSPs, such as annual recurring revenues, total revenues and more.

This year the top MSPmentor 501 companies recorded higher recurring revenues than ever before. Combined, the total annual recurring revenues for all of MSPmentor 501 2015 companies was up by 26.5% year over year.

Marcia Parker, Executive Director, Penton Technology Group says:

“We want to congratulate Clark Integrated Technologies and look forward to covering their growth strategies in the year ahead.”

Jessica Davis, Editor in Chief of MSPmentor and Executive Editor at Penton Technology, adds:

“Thank you to all the companies who participated in this year’s MSPmentor 501 survey, and congratulations to the companies that ranked on our lists.”

Clark IT has over 20 years of experience in providing industry leading support and delivering business-class technology. The company’s integrated solutions provide industry leading services, productivity and cost effective IT platforms for business growth.

Clark IT has a client base in both Aberdeen City and Shire, and a recent development has seen the expansion of the company into the Inverness area.

Founded in 1991, Clark Integrated Technologies (Clark IT) is one of Scotland’s leading independent providers of managed ICT solutions to a broad range of corporate and commercial clients across Scotland and beyond.

With a wealth of technological and commercial experience, supported by an established reputation, Clark IT offers clients reliable and honest strategic advice on all aspects of Information and Communications Technology.

For more information, see the firm’s website at www.clark-it.com

Sep 072012
 

By Suzanne Kelly.

This year’s TechFest is bigger than ever before, and it’s not too late to catch a host of lectures, activities and events.  TechFest runs through Sunday 9 September at various venues throughout Aberdeen. Archaeology, Psychology, Geology and even Mixology get a look in this time around.

The Bill Bryson talk may be sold out, but there are still plenty of free events for people of all ages.  These include:-

  • ‘Is Access to Water a Human Right’ – Friday 15.30pm
  • ‘CSI – Fact or Fiction?’ – Saturday 10am
  • ‘Café Cosmos’ – Sunday 10am
  • ‘Looking for Leviathans’ – Sunday 1pm
  • ‘Multi-Track Mixing’ – all day Saturday
  • Festival Finale – Sunday from 7pm

Do check the programme for dozens more events, event locations (some free events may still require booking in advance).  Times may change; check with the organisers.  Or better still, wander up to the Spiegeltent on Aberdeen University Campus, and see what’s going on when you get there.  Details and booking:  www.britishsciencefestival.org

There is a festival bar at Elphinstone Hall, and other eating and drinking venues on campus.

Mar 222012
 

By Bob Smith.

The human race’s in the control
O buttons an technology
Young fowk canna git a jobbie
There’s bugger aa fer them ti dee

The button on the TV remote
His life become a farce?
Ti turn the TV on an aff
Nae need ti move yer arse

Buttons on the factory fleer
Mair robots on assembly line
The workforce eence in hunners
Micht noo be jist forty nine

Nae need fer sae mony bunk tellers
Fan siller ye wint ti withdraw
Jist touch a fyow wee buttons
O the machine in the hole in the wa

Press the PC start button
Info at eence ye’ll access
E’en pyein yer accoonts online
Is classed as total progress

The buttonie on a hairst combine
Leaves ae mannie noo in control
Fairm workers aa oot o wark
Nae langer oan the peyroll

A wee button ye maan punch
Afore crossin a richt busy street
The green mannie he tells ye
Faan ti stairt usin yer feet

The bricht radar screen on a trawler
Tells the skipper fan he’s near fish
Nae winner the stocks are fair drappin
It’s nae langer a hit or a miss

The purveyors o new technology
Tell us oor lives are noo gran
As lang as ye hit a wee button
Wi ae digit attached ti yer haun

Hid the Luddites the richt idea
Fin smashin up looms mechanised?
Maybe they saw inti the future
As jobs noo are fair prized

Thon mannie Albert Einstein said
In a batch o wirds fair minimal
“Technological progress is like an aix
In the haun’s o a pathological criminal”

A fyow rows o buttons I div like
Are eens on a gweed “squeeze- box”
Press its buttons aa ye like
Accordion music it fair rocks

© Bob Smith “The Poetry Mannie”2012
Image credit:  © Phil Date | Dreamstime.com

Feb 222012
 

Aberdeen is a city on a downward slide. That makes for uncomfortable reading, doesn’t it? Our gut instinct, being the proud city we are, is to reject this notion out of hand, though deep down we all know it is true, says Graeme Campbell.

The cause of the rot is not easy to identify. Opinions will differ and any debate would most likely be fierce. It is perhaps best to say the gradual slip in the condition of our once grand and glorious city can be pigeon-holed to two vague categories – poor planning and the slow decline of the energy sector.
Or perhaps over-dependence on it? Two and a half pigeon holes then.

So, avoiding any unhelpful debate surrounding the way we arrived at this point, we must as a city look forward to the best possible route to a future of prosperity. We must look for a plan to return grandeur and pride to the Granite City. 

Our carefully-selected councillors, together with possibly our most successful loon, Sir Ian Wood and the private partnership Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Futures (ACSEF) think the solution to the gradual slip is a new garden. Not exclusively a garden you understand, but a garden with conferencing facilities and a café. To give all credit due, the plans certainly are impressive and whilst perhaps not so impressive in keeping with the architectural fabric of the city, we are, of course, a city not afraid of change.

In the most recent release posted through all city letterboxes, Aberdonians are directed by a host of interested parties to the key point, “You deserve it!” Well yes, most likely. But oddly, relegated to fifth, is what will be the key point for most Aberdonians. Once again we don’t want to admit this but we’re all thinking it, “We can afford it”.

Will Aberdeen City be pushed to the very brink of bankruptcy by this plan, as happened when the city took the bold decision, so long ago, to construct our now famous Union Street granite mile? Probably not. Of course, Sir Ian’s mammoth oil wealth will go some way to meeting the cost of development on the site – and only on this site, he has been quite clear on that point – the further estimated £100m will come from business rates, council tax – of course – and the heinously-complex Scottish Governmental TIF funding mechanism.

Now nobody wishes to be bored to tears by the inane workings of a TIF, so let’s not worry about that. Instead, let’s find out what other places are using TIF to create.

  • North Lanarkshire plans to spend £73m to transform the former Ravenscraig steel site, an area of quite unrivalled deprivation, to the benefit of the many people who live in the area.
  • Argyll and Bute is to extend the North Pier at Oban for £20m, further securing the town’s position as Gateway to the Islands, a major boon to the tourist industry no doubt.
  • Falkirk plans to use its TIF in a far less grand manner, by bringing about strategic road developments and improving the flood defences. Clearly a sound decision.

But the plans which should be of most interest to any outward-looking Aberdonian comfortably seated in Europe’s oil capital, come from Fife. The council there is to spend its modest £17m TIF improving vehicle and marine access to the already-thriving Energy Park Fife, where renewables are already being constructed. I know, that’s not oil, but it is very real, so let’s not sneer. Not content with this, Fife has also begun construction of the Levenmouth Low Carbon Investment Park which is set to become ‘Scotland’s foremost energy park’.

Whilst in Aberdeen we plan to spend £150m on a garden and café.

Is anyone else embarrassed? Our great city, the economic powerhouse of Scotland, is being distracted by plants and trees whilst other towns are going green in a wholly more financially-sound way. This city has the engineering and science skills, brought by the oil industry and our two modern and diverse universities, to become a world leader in the renewables field.

You don’t need to do the math to know a research and development centre, alongside a manufacturing park would be of significantly greater financial gain to the city than the redevelopment of a garden.

This brings us to the question – has the Council considered this? Understandably, Sir Ian may not be keen, but this is about so much more than the oil empires held by the few; this is about the continuing prosperity of the many.

So, as the ballot papers find their way to you, look around the city. Look for the signs of the rot brought about by poor management by those who, for too long, have only looked inwards – decision makers enjoying the security of the formerly-booming local oil industry.

Consider what the world, given the current environmental and economic climate, would look to Aberdeen for. Horticultural tips? A show in our new 5000-seat outdoor amphitheatre? Or will they look to Europe’s ENERGY Capital to lead the way to a bright new future of renewable energy? And then, as our city leads the world in technological advancement in the renewables field we will look forward to investment, to jobs and to success.

When the ballot paper lands on your doormat, consider what Aberdonians truly deserve and ensure your vote lets our council know just what you want for your future.