A Staffordshire web hosting firm has expanded its workforce and moved to new premises after securing a £50,000 grant from Advantage West Midlands.

Hosting specialist and web designers Hosting Systems was founded in 2001 in Stoke-on-Trent and originally based in a converted garage.

The firm has moved into new premises in Trentham Lakes, close to Stoke City FC’s Britannia Stadium, and now has five members of staff.

Hosting Systems Technical Director Juliet Wilder said the £50,000 Selective Finance for Investment in England (SFIE) grant from Advantage West Midlands had been crucial in securing the new offices, which stand on the site of the former Hem Heath Colliery.

“It was vital for the business to move to this new base and without this grant we believe it would have taken another one to two years to get there.”

"A few years ago we could have made this investment ourselves, but with property prices the way they are, it is difficult without financial help. We can now move forward and expand the business by taking on more staff.

"We have enough business, but we have had to use consultants which is not as good as having in-house staff.

"We can now invest in recruitment and training.”

Managing Director Alistair Bates said Hosting Systems was committed to its base in north Staffordshire.

“We don’t need to be in London. There are big ISPs based in the capital but in this industry we can afford to be flexible with location and we prefer to offer a personal, local service.”

He said the sector was booming because businesses could no longer afford to ignore the rapid advances in the communications sector.

“Everyone needs email and everyone needs to be able to connect to the internet. Businesses cannot afford to ignore these opportunities. If they do, competitors will quickly step into the vacuum.”

“We are happy for people to talk to us face to face and want to provide a friendly, personalised service.”

Hosting Systems offers options including domain names, website development, security, email facilities and statistical feedback.

The company achieved record sales last year with turnover increasing 40 per cent to £350,000.
They are aiming for £450,000 this year and have contracts with large firms including Express Dairies and Arla Foods.

Hosting Systems is one of an estimated 150 internet service providers (ISPs) operating in the £2.5 billion UK market.

David Phillips, Project and Contract Manager at Advantage West Midlands, said: "We are delighted that our grant support has been a key to helping Hosting Systems relocate. This is exactly the sort of dynamic and successful small company we need in the area to help transform the future economic fortunes of North Staffordshire."

SFIE is a form of financial assistance available to businesses located in Assisted Areas in the UK for investment in capital expenditure and is run by AWM in the West Midlands. It is normally given in a grant paid in instalments based on capital expenditure and job creation targets being met. Funding ranges from £10,000 to £2 million.

SFIE grants are part of a comprehensive range of regional finance initiatives co-ordinated by AWM. For more information visit www.westmidlandsfinance.com