ORCHID VOTED IT SUPPORT COMPANY OF THE YEAR - 3/6/2010

Orchid ITs Directors receive the prestigious award

Just a year after being voted Derbyshire Business of the Year, a Derby IT firm has been awarded one of the highest accolades in the IT world.

Pride Park-based Orchid IT beat off competition from seven of the UK’s biggest and best known names to clinch the title of IT Support Company of the Year at this year’s MicroScope Awards for Channel Excellence (ACES).

The awards, which are now in their fourth year are organised by MicroScope magazine, a weekly publication for computer manufacturers, distributors and resellers within the channel and has been published since 1982.

Orchid IT Managing Director Brett Critchley, Financial Director James Twigg and Technical Director Chris Tate were presented with the award at a gala dinner held at the Lancaster Hotel in London, hosted by comedian Sean Lock and attended by an audience of more than 500 resellers, distributors and vendors from across the UK.

The title of IT Support Company of the Year was awarded to the company that could demonstrate a depth of knowledge of the latest systems, but also had the ability to support and maintain legacy systems.

Orchid IT, which was the only firm outside of the South of England to be shortlisted, was required to submit an initial entry which was subjected to a rigorous selection process by a panel of judges comprising of leading industry experts. This was followed by a month long on-line public vote.

Also shortlisted were Northgate Managed Services, which employs more than 1,000 staff and EZE Castle Integration which has a team of 250 based in the US and UK.

This year’s competition was stronger than ever with more entries and more votes cast than ever before.

Commenting on the award Brett Critchley said:

“Winning the national title of IT Support Company of the Year is an incredible achievement, particularly when you consider the incredibly tough competition that we were up against.

“To be recognised on the national stage for our achievements is incredibly gratifying and is a reflection of all the hard work that our team has put into providing our clients with exemplary support and service.”

James Twigg added:

“We used our success at last year’s Business Awards Derbyshire as a catalyst to improve our levels of service still further and launch a whole range of new and innovative ideas.

“I would like to thank all our staff, customers and suppliers who took the time and trouble to vote for us during the public vote.”