Northgate-is

Guernsey�s new partnership to promote public health and social well-being

2008-08-20T23:00:00+01:00

NEWS RELEASE
21st August 2008

Guernsey’s new partnership to promote public health and social well-being

Northgate Information Solutions, a leading provider of innovative services and software to the public sector and utilities markets, today announces an innovative partnership with the States of Guernsey to assist in the drive to promote, protect and improve public health and social well-being of the people of the Island.

Guernsey’s Health and Social Services Department is set to introduce state-of-the art technology joining together disparate data held by the Office of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation. It will also introduce a system to support the regulation of all potentially polluting activities within Guernsey.

The innovative service will assist the Island’s environmental health officers in providing efficient and effective public health services to Guernsey’s citizens through:

• maintaining an up-to-date and complete record of public health complaints made by individuals, ensuring that officers have full information about previous complaints prior to visits or taking action;
• providing a single source of information for environmental officers on all environmental health matters including public health nuisances, food control, pest control, waste control, seawater and shellfish testing, and tattooing and piercing;
• extending the flexibility of current information systems to take account of recent enactments including the Environmental Pollution (Guernsey) Law, 2004 and planning for future ones;
• eradicating unnecessary manual processes and radically improving the management information system as a means of enhancing business processes and services to the public.

John Cook, Director of Environmental Health and Pollution Regulation said today: “We are delighted to be working with Northgate to provide public health services which meet the needs of today and the challenges for the future. We are constantly seeking to improve our services as well as responding to the rising costs of quality health and social care. The new environmental health service will cut down bureaucracy and save valuable officer time enabling them to focus on their core tasks of promoting, protecting and improving public health.“

Russell Osborne, Managing Director of Land & Property for Northgate Public Services, added: “Effective information management is essential to building trusted public health services which place people at their heart. We are committed to promoting the intelligent use of information to support healthcare improvement and social well being and are proud to be working in partnership with the Island’s government to support their public health services, at a time when the challenges have never been greater.”

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Hartlepool Borough Council Leads the Way in Delivering on Government Green IT and Efficiency targets

2008-08-18T23:00:00+01:00

- Northgate Information Solutions latest ‘Managed Print Solution’ delivers £100,000 per year saving.Hartlepool Council will save more than £100,000 each year thanks to the latest Northgate Information Solutions ‘Managed Print Solution’. The solution, which uses state-of-the-art technology, works by optimising the number of print and copy devices needed, allowing the Council to manage its corporate print function centrally, while returning both cost and efficiency saving.With the Government recently setting green IT and efficiency targets for government offices in their policy “Greening Government ICT”, it is imperative that measures are taken by all departments to ensure these are met. Suggestions in the policy on how to accomplish this include reducing the overall number of printers used by the organisation and using green printing defaults. Following a review of Hartlepool Council’s corporate print and copy fleet, Northgate designed a new Fleet which eliminated previous inefficiencies, and delivered a ‘Total Cost of Ownership’ reduction of approximately 20% or £100,000 per annum, therefore making a significant contribution towards achieving their targets.Northgate’s review discovered that the Council was using more than 550 devices across more than 32 sites to fulfil its print and copy requirements. The proposal put forward by Northgate reduced this number to just 159 devices, supplied by one single manufacturer, and included a number of managed services comprising fault resolution, maintenance, supply chain management, consumables supply and disposal and service reporting, all designed to reduce costs and improve Council efficiencies.Commenting on the new managed print solution Mike Ward, Chief Financial Officer with Hartlepool Borough Council, stated: “Northgate’s collaborative, hands-on approach has allowed us to realise significant cashable savings and bring this area of spend under corporate control without alienating departments. Other tangible benefits include improved energy efficiency and a more pro-active service for faults and consumables replenishment. I commend Northgate for their professional and timely approach.”Mr Ward continued “The managed print project has been a major success, and we’re delighted with the results it has produced so far. Prior to this project, the Council requested that Northgate present a solution to migrate its email services from Lotus Notes to a Microsoft Outlook platform. The project involved moving more than 1800 staff accounts, and I am delighted to confirm that this project has also been a tremendous success.”“Northgate’s expertise has been invaluable in implementing our new email system. We have worked closely with them for seven years and as such, they know us really well, and are aware of the sensitivities that exist within our sector which has added real value to our operation.”

James Turnbull, Managing Director of Northgate’s Infrastructure Solutions division added, “We are delighted to support Hartlepool Borough Council’s diverse and developing business requirements. We remain dedicated to ensuring that our ‘Managed Print Solution’ works to provide the Council with the flexibility and enhanced service capabilities needed to provide quality services to its ratepayers and to meet the efficiency targets set by Government. We look forward to advancing this relationship and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Council on its many successes to date.”

Northgate leads the way with acquisition of Anite Public Sector business

2008-07-31T23:00:00+01:00

Northgate leads the way with acquisition of Anite Public Sector business

Northgate Information Solutions today announces that it has agreed to acquire Anite Public Sector Holdings Limited, which incorporates Anite’s local government and secure information systems businesses, for a total cash consideration of £54.3 million payable at completion, subject to the settlement of a £3.8 million receivable owed by Anite to Anite Public Sector and a working capital adjustment following completion. The deal confirms Northgate’s position as the UK’s leading player in the local government and criminal justice public services market.

The deal which comes four months after the acquisition of Northgate Information Solutions plc by private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR) demonstrates the new owners’ commitment to expand Northgate’s public service business and to realise value through successful and strategic acquisition.

The acquisition enables Northgate to deliver improved and enhanced services to its local government clients including adding to its leading position in revenues and benefits and housing by becoming the number one provider of social care and document management services. With Anite’s Secure Information Solutions business track record of delivering major business change and technology programmes, the new organisation will have an unrivalled capability of delivering business-focused change programmes and integrated services to the criminal justice and police markets. It also equips Northgate with further skills and capacity to spearhead its move into increasingly strategic and complex public services contracts.

The deal builds on Northgate Public Services’ highly successful track record of delivering value through strategic acquisition. This success lies in promoting a performance culture, driving through product innovation and embedding quality through the process of integration.

David Meaden, Chief Executive of Northgate Public Services, said today: "The acquisition of Anite Public Sector is great news for Northgate. It demonstrates how and why KKR’s investment approach makes them an ideal partner for Northgate. We share a common business philosophy for long-term value creation.

"We are committed to supporting public service excellence, building and developing innovative partnerships with our clients to transform public services and place the citizen’s needs at their heart. This deal will help us to provide them with the enhanced services and solutions which form an integral part of that transformation."

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For more information:
Fellows’ Associates:

Kathy Sutton 020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com

Perry Jones 020 7849 3508; 07930 566291; news@fellowsassociates.com

Dave Meaden is available for interviews
Notes to editors

1. Northgate Information Solutions is a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets. Northgate’s task is to enhance public value through the intelligent use of people and technology, and to share in the economic and social benefits that this brings.

2. In the UK, the company works with four out of five local authorities and every police force. Northgate supports public service transformation through sustainable performance partnerships. Its services are used in the administration of more than £12 billion of revenues and benefits; in electoral administration systems covering 18 million people; to support the national system for reporting police performance; and in the management of over three million local authority and housing association properties worldwide. Founded in 1969, the company has over 7,000 employees.

3. The acquisition is conditional, inter alia, upon the approval of shareholders at a General Meeting, and approval by the relevant regulatory authorities. The deal is expected to be completed by September 2008 or soon afterwards.

4. Anite is an international software and solutions company whose primary business is the provision of industry-specific solutions based on its deep sector knowledge of the wireless telecoms, public sector, and travel markets. It is a market leader in software and solutions to key parts of local government, such as housing management and social care solutions - as well as an important supplier of secure information solutions (SIS) to the criminal justice markets. Anite Public Sector comprises two businesses: Anite Public Sector Limited (the Anite local government business) and Anite Secure Information Solutions Limited (the SIS) business.

Triple Whammy for Northgate - Newtownabbey-based company hits the mark with BSI quality certifications.

2008-07-21T23:00:00+01:00

News Release: 22 July 2008

Triple Whammy for Northgate
- Managed Services division becomes one of a select number of ICT companies to hit the mark with BSI quality certifications.

Newtownabbey-based Northgate Information Solutions is leading the field in terms of IT service provision after being awarded three separate quality certifications within a four week period.

Since the beginning of June, Northgate has achieved:
• ISO/IEC 20000-1:2005 for the quality of IT service delivery and support for it’s utilities and education customers ensuring that its managed services are underpinned by IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) and ISO 20000 best practice frameworks for both private and public sector customers.

• ISO 9001-2000 for its software development and support services. The implementation of a revised best practice Software Development Quality Management System (SDQMS) will govern all aspects of the software development lifecycle, delivering shortened lead-times, improved quality of code and ultimately reduced costs to customers.

• ISO 27001:2005 for Information Security Systems in relation to their Data Centre operations. High levels of information security management, data security and access controls as well as stringent operating policies and procedures will assure customers of the highest levels of integrity and confidentiality around the management of their data and sensitive information.

“This is a tremendous accolade for both the company and our workforce, and it is also good news for our customers,” said Ed Brown, Managing Director of Northgate’s Utilities division.

“These certifications are independent, third-party endorsements of the level and standard of service we provide and they are a fitting tribute to our people and our procedures. Each also reflects the emphasis we place on our customer, as they are focused on delivering genuine, valuable benefits across our client base.”

Each of the three certifications was achieved within a challenging timeframe and result from a very clear quality management commitment within Northgate.

“Continuous improvement is key to progress within our organisation,” Ed added, “and already we’ve identified and are progressing further enhancements to the new processes, all geared towards superior service delivery to the customer.”

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For further information contact Claire Bonner, Morrow Communications
Tel: 028 9039 3837

Notes to Editor:

Northern Ireland-based Northgate Managed Services, which is a division of Northgate Information Solutions (Northgate IS: www.northgate-is.com), is headquartered in Newtownabbey and has additional offices in Dungannon, Ballymena, Omagh and Derry.

Northgate Managed Services is a leading supplier of specialist ICT and managed services, to the public sector, education, utilities, and private sectors. Its areas of expertise include:

• Education – enabling transformation in learning and teaching. Today thousands of learners and teachers in hundreds of schools and colleges throughout the UK are benefiting from the services and support that Northgate provides to education.
• Utilities – enabling customer service excellence and improved efficiency. Northgate’s outsourced customer services include Billing & Revenue collection services, while IT services include managed desktop services, application and hosting services, infrastructure management, business continuity and disaster recovery.
• Infrastructure Solutions – supplying a range of specialist ICT services and solutions focussing on harnessing technology to improve business outcomes. This includes mobility and access services and solutions, storage and protection of information, and providing effective services and solutions to reduce carbon footprint, waste and energy costs.

Employing 500 staff throughout Northern Ireland, Northgate Managed Services works with a wide range of public and private sector organisations including C2k, Viridian, Waterways Ireland, DVTA NI, SHS Group, and the Department of Finance & Personnel.

Northgate Information Solutions is a market leader in providing specialist software, outsourcing and information technology (IT) services to the human resources, local government, education and public safety markets.

The Northgate Group is owned by private equity company Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) and currently employs over 6,500 staff and operates in 46 countries across 5 continents.

Northgate has approximately 4,500 large/medium customers and approximately 10,500 small to medium enterprise (SME) customers world wide. Northgate works closely with over 20% of the Fortune 500 leading US companies, 90% of the UK local authorities and all of the UK’s police forces.

Innovative Technology Helping Bristol Students to be Top of the Class

2008-07-20T23:00:00+01:00

Innovative Technology Helping Bristol Students to be Top of the Class

Newly opened Bristol Metropolitan College has become a world class centre of learning using innovative technology to engage and educate its students. Working with ICT specialist Northgate Education, Bristol Metropolitan College has benefited from an £8.9m investment through the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to ensure its learners have access to the latest technology.

As one of the first BSF schools in Bristol to open its doors, Bristol Metropolitan College aims to create the best possible setting for young people to learn in and meet the educational needs of its 700 students. Using innovative technology to support classroom teaching, the school is equipped with the very latest learning and teaching tools such as laptops, interactive whiteboards and hand held devices.

Each learner has access to an online Managed Learning Environment (MLE) called N-able designed by Northgate Education. N-able provides students with their own personalised learning area with the support and assistance they need to maximise independent study and to progress in line with their own individual learning plan. Accessible via the internet from any location, the MLE gives each learner their own online space to work on assignments, store work and access emails enabling them to communicate with teachers and fellow students. Each teacher has a digital tool box to enable them to continually assess pupil’s work and offer as much or as little guidance as they might need. N-able also allows the school to incorporate administration systems such as pupil access and registration, as well as pupil achievements such as exam and homework marks.

To further improve school efficiency each member of staff and each student has their very own school identity card which not only allows them access to the school buildings but also acts as a library card and cashless catering card and allows them to access printers. By logging into their personal online space on N-Able both students and staff can see when their library books are due back as well as order specific books. The cashless catering function allows students to keep track of how much they have spent in the school canteen and to know when they need to top up their balance. By having access to all of this information in one place students can not only efficiently keep track of all their information and take responsibility for it, but parents can also request access, allowing them to become more involved in their child’s education.

Theresa Thorne, Headteacher, commented: “Since the school opened the students have been making full use of the new technology including the Managed Learning Environment. Being able to access their work electronically from home as well as at school means that young learners can view their education as more than just what goes on in a classroom. N-able allows students to really take ownership and control of their education and promotes lifelong learning which is at the heart of what we are trying to achieve.”

The implementation of a Managed Learning Environment enables learners and teachers to share and store work and resources that can be securely accessed anywhere and anytime. N-able is part of a wider ICT managed service provided for Bristol Metropolitan College by Northgate Education. Along with educational resources, Northgate provides a centrally managed printing solution which limits the amount of printers and paper used. Accessed by the identity cards this enables the school to help control paper wastage, maintaining a ‘green’ school environment. To further reduce power usage the ICT Technician can monitor all workstations to ensure none are left on overnight or at the weekends.

David Hyland, Managing Director, Northgate Education, commented: “We are extremely proud to be working with Bristol Metropolitan College to help transform learning and teaching for the students. By installing innovative technology the school is going way beyond Government requirements to ensure that its students have the best possible education resources available. The school has some fantastic resources which can be used by the teachers to make education really engaging. We are delighted to be involved with such forward thinking school and feel the benefits to young learners will make Bristol Metropolitan College a best practice model for BSF projects in other areas.”

Birmingham citizens to benefit from major planning transformation

2008-07-13T23:00:00+01:00

Birmingham citizens to benefit from major planning transformation

Birmingham City Council, supported by Service Birmingham, is to deliver a new e-Planning initiative, providing the city’s one million citizens with easier access to high quality planning information and guidance as part of a major transformation programme.

In partnership with Northgate Information Solutions, a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets, Birmingham City Council and Service Birmingham will radically improve planning and building control services throughout the city and promote engagement with all members of the community.

In a contract worth more than £1 million over three years, the new partnership will provide:

- a more transparent planning process through improved engagement with users of planning services and the wider community;
- fast and accurate responses to enquires, through enabling staff to provide instant feedback on compliance with planning policy and guidance;
- streamlined processes to enable the council to meet performance standards, share information with key agencies and deliver excellent customer service;
- self-service systems that allow citizens to track the progress of planning applications, submit responses, review decision notices and resolve queries without visiting the council;
- full mobile services, allowing planning and building control officers to spend more time in the community.

Clive Dutton, Birmingham City Council Director of Planning and Regeneration said: "We constantly strive to provide the very best possible Planning and Building Consultancy services. We believe that the partnership with Northgate Information Solutions will assist us to deliver innovative ways of working that are responsive to the needs of the citizens of Birmingham. Our vision is to deliver first class planning and building control services and create a high quality physical environment focussed on our contribution to achieving a 'global city with a local heart'."

Cllr Paul Tilsley, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council said today: “We are committed to transforming planning services so that citizens throughout Birmingham can have comprehensive access to up-to-date information of the highest quality. Sustainable transformation is at the heart of our vision for Birmingham, and our partnership with Northgate will radically improve services and make a real difference to people’s lives. e-Planning is a key element of our wider transformation programme to provide the local services that the public deserves.”

Russell Osborne, Managing Director of Land & Property at Northgate Public Services, said today: “Northgate is proud to be working with Birmingham City Council to transform planning services and ease complex planning and building control processes for staff and citizens. Increased transparency and better access to information will contribute to more efficient and effective processing of applications and radically improve the performance of the system as a whole. e-Planning is a major step forward in encouraging a dynamic and streamlined planning system that contributes to the development of healthy and sustainable communities.”
[Ends]

For more information:
Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton 020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com
Kuntal Biswas 020 7849 3347; 07930 566291; kbiswas@fellowsassociates.com

Service Birmingham press office: +44 (0)870 2400 488

Notes to Editors:

1. Birmingham City Council is the largest local authority in Europe serving over one million citizens.

2. Service Birmingham is a strategic partnership between Birmingham City Council and Capita which will support a transformation in the way the Council works; improving services and contributing to its efficiency agenda. The Council intends to achieve efficiency savings worth £1 billion by 2016. This strategic partnership forms part of the Council's objective to find better and more innovative ways of delivering services for the benefit of employees and citizens. The principle of this joint venture focuses on the provision of cost effective, sector leading, ICT services and in supporting the Council in achieving its business transformation objectives.

3. Northgate Information Solutions is a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets. Northgate’s task is to enhance public value through the intelligent use of people and technology, and to share in the economic and social benefits that this brings.

4. In the UK, the company works with four out of five local authorities and every police force. Northgate supports public service transformation through sustainable performance partnerships. Its services are used in the administration of more than £12 billion of revenues and benefits; in electoral administration systems covering 18 million people; to support the national system for reporting police performance; and in the management of over three million local authority and housing association properties worldwide. Founded in 1969, the company has over 6,500 employees.

Northgate strengthens its planning team with key local authority appointment

2008-07-09T23:00:00+01:00

Northgate strengthens its planning team with key local authority appointment

Northgate Information Solutions today announces the key appointment of Martin Howell to the planning team as the company continues its drive to deliver innovative and sustainable planning services for citizens across the country.

Martin, who has been appointed as Planning Consultant, joins from Wandsworth Borough Council where he worked in the Planning team as Group Leader for Policy and Information. In that position, he played a crucial role in the development of local and national e-planning services, providing citizens with easier access to high quality planning information and guidance as part of a nationwide transformation programme. An experienced professional, Martin also worked as lead planning officer on PARSOL, the national project assisting local authorities in providing planning and regulatory services online. In addition, he represented local authorities on the e-Planning Statutory Consultees Group and has chaired the Royal Town Planning Institute's e-Planning conference for the past two years. At Northgate, he will be responsible for building collaborative partnerships and developing innovative new opportunities to provide local authorities with planning services focused on the needs of citizens. Russell Osborne, Managing Director of Land & Property at Northgate Public Services, said today: “We are delighted to welcome Martin to the planning team. His extensive experience in key planning services, such as the national e-Planning programme, will be invaluable as we help deliver a dynamic and streamlined planning system in the UK. We must encourage innovation in planning services in order to address the issues raised by the current economic climate. People with hands-on experience working closely with local authorities are crucial to this development, and Martin will considerably strengthen our work in this area." Martin Howell added: "I am looking forward to helping Northgate build upon its innovative partnerships with local planning services throughout the country. An effective and efficient planning system is essential to both the UK economy and the quality of people’s lives. We must ensure that local authorities and citizens have a voice which is listened to and taken into account if we are to deliver a modernised planning system." [Ends] For more information Fellows’ AssociatesKathy Sutton 020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.comKuntal Biswas 020 7849 3347; 07930 566291; kbiswas@fellowsassociates.com Notes to Editors: 1. Northgate Information Solutions is a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets. Northgate’s task is to enhance public value through the intelligent use of people and technology, and to share in the economic and social benefits that this brings. 2. In the UK, the company works with four out of five local authorities and every police force. Northgate supports public service transformation through sustainable performance partnerships. Its services are used in the administration of more than £12 billion of revenues and benefits; in electoral administration systems covering 18 million people; to support the national system for reporting police performance; and in the management of over three million local authority and housing association properties worldwide. Founded in 1969, the company has over 6,500 employees. 3. Martin joins Northgate from Wandsworth Borough Council, where he worked as Group Leader for Planning Policy and Information. A planning specialist with extensive experience, Martin has worked for a number of local authorities across the country in areas as diverse as Harrow, Kent, Newham and Cheshire. He is a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

Darzi review: Quality must count for quality accounts

2008-07-03T23:00:00+01:00

Darzi review: Quality must count for quality accounts In an initial response to the final report of the Darzi review, Northgate Information Solutions today called for a ‘right to bid’ and an ‘invitation to implement’ quality measurement systems for the NHS. In its response, Northgate argues that if the emphasis is going to increasingly move away from quantity to the high quality of care, it is essential that clinicians and NHS staff are involved and engaged, and that services are built around individual need, rather than organisational functionality. All NHS organisations have been set a challenging task to produce quality accounts by April 2010 using a combination of national and local quality measurement systems. According to Northgate, quality measures will need to draw on the disparate information sources that already exist to provide objective data about clinical care, combined with the development of people-related outcome measurements at a national and local level. Northgate believes that for success to be sustained it is essential that clinicians and health employees witness rapid and effective implementation of their ideas and responsive and relevant measurements of quality. Through the introduction of a right for external organisations to bring ideas to the table, complemented by the development of in-house solutions which draw upon external support in the form of partnerships or joint ventures, Northgate argues that these will help to create capacity and capability within the NHS and create the basis for sustainable and continuous improvement in measuring quality. Ian Blackhurst, Managing Director of Northgate Health, said today: “I believe that the NHS is a great institution that can only get better through focusing on quality outcomes. Measuring quality is a major challenge for the service at both a local and national level. We believe that our proposals may go some way in helping to ensure that good ideas benefit from great implementation.” [ENDS] For more information:Fellows’ Associates:Kathy Sutton 020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.comKuntal Biswas 020 7849 3347; 07930 566291; kbiswas@fellowsassociates.com Note to editors: 1. Northgate Information Solutions is a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets. Northgate’s task is to enhance public value through the intelligent use of people and technology, and to share in the economic and social benefits that this brings. 2. Northgate works with organisations across the country to improve health outcomes. We support commissioners in effective decision-making; enable doctors to monitor and improve their performance; and provide patients with the information they need to exercise meaningful choice. Whether supporting world-leading screening programmes, managing national health registries or delivering state-of-the-art information systems for NHS Trusts, Northgate puts the patient at the heart of health services.

Northgate pushes ahead on transformation partnerships with major new appointment to local government and social housing team

2008-07-01T23:00:00+01:00

Northgate pushes ahead on transformation partnerships with major new appointment to local government and social housing team

Northgate Information Solutions today announces the appointment of Peter Tucker to the local government team as the company strengthens its drive to deliver innovative transformation partnerships across the UK.

Peter, who has over twenty years of experience in the IT and BPO industries working with blue chip companies, has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing. He has extensive operational skills and know-how in delivering key services across the local government sector and securing major partnerships with local authorities across the country. He joins Northgate after three years at Serco, where he worked on local government strategic partnerships, including a major partnership with Glasgow City Council. Prior to that, he was Business Director at Capita, managing one of the broadest public private partnerships within local government. He has also previously worked for Fujitsu managing a variety of services in Scotland.

At Northgate, he will be directly responsible for developing local government strategies to address the changing needs and expectations of citizens. Peter will focus on supporting local authorities and Housing Associations as they transform the way citizens access public services to promote social inclusion and healthier communities.

The expansion of Northgate’s local government team follows the recent appointment of Vipul Patel as Business Development Director for Northgate Kendric Ash. Both appointments mark Northgate’s commitment to developing innovative performance partnerships for local authorities and placing sustainable transformation at the heart of public services.

Joe Bradley, Managing Director of Local Government & Social Housing for Northgate Public Services, said today: “I am delighted to welcome Peter as a key member of our local government team. He is the ideal choice to help us continue to deliver services which meet the challenge of modernisation and support our local authority partners. Northgate is committed to transforming public services through innovation and building community well-being by tackling the issues that are most important to local people. Peter’s appointment will considerably strengthen our work in this strategic area.”

Peter Tucker added: “I am looking forward to helping Northgate strengthen its relationships with councils and housing providers across the country at such a challenging time for local government in the UK. Northgate has an excellent track record across the landscape of local government, particularly as a pioneer and leading provider of performance partnerships, and I believe has enormous potential for future development.”

[Ends]

For more information

Fellows’ Associates
Kathy Sutton 020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com
Kuntal Biswas 020 7849 3347; 07930 566291; kbiswas@fellowsassociates.com

Notes to Editors:

3. Peter was Bid Director for Serco on a major local government strategic partnership bid into Glasgow City Council. As Business Director for Capita he managed two of Capita’s northern business centres including a contract with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. From 1984 to 1999, Peter was employed by Fujitsu.

4. In addition to his operational role, Peter also acted as the Business Director for Serco in Scotland. He sat on the Scottish Partnership Forum on behalf of Serco and is currently a member of the Scottish Leadership Forum.

AAH services to be enhanced by �2 million investment in ICT

2008-06-30T23:00:00+01:00

News release: 1 July 2008

AAH services to be enhanced by £2 million investment in ICT

Northgate’s “Manage” solution to ensure the leading distributor of healthcare products and services provide outstanding customer service

Leading UK pharmaceutical distributor, AHH has agreed a contract worth more than £2million with Northern Ireland based Northgate Information Solutions, which will help ensure that pharmacies throughout the UK are fully supported throughout the transition to becoming ‘New Contract Compliant’ for the ‘Electronic Transfer of Prescriptions’. The three year contact will provide AAH with rapid response cover for its ‘LINK’ system.

LINK allows AAH customers (pharmacists and other medical dispensers) to effectively manage dispensing and key business processes within pharmacy, such as the efficient management of stock levels by electronically monitoring inventory. Each time an item is dispensed LINK will adjust stock and reorder levels enabling stock management based on dispensing activity. All orders are prepared and distributed twice daily from any one of AAH’s 20 distribution centres throughout the UK.

With business-critical technologies being used it is vital that AAH has a continuous supply chain link with its customers. Any downtime experienced in the chain can have serious effects not only for customers but also for those patients that are reliant on medication. Through its partnership with Northgate, AAH Pharmaceutical has implemented a hardware monitor and repair service that is managed by Northgate and provides AAH with specialist maintenance cover for the IT infrastructure that supports LINK ensuring that any downtime is resolved quickly.

Commenting on the benefits of the new technology Leon Rudd, Director of Marketing at AAH Pharmaceuticals, stated; “As the industry moves towards a paperless operation the need to have a system in place that allows customers to more effectively operate will be paramount. LINK is an easy to use intuitive application used by 1 in 4 Pharmacies, our active involvement in the National Programme for IT across the UK allows LINK to be at the forefront of technology changes within Pharmacy. LINK will not only save our customers time but will allow them to focus on their own customers and business needs.” As the UK’s leading distributor of pharmaceutical and healthcare products and services we rely on having a fully operational supply chain link with our customers. By ensuring we have the appropriate IT maintenance cover we have put ourselves in a position to uphold our customer service levels.

Leon continued; “Northgate’s expertise has been invaluable in implementing the new services. They really took the time to get to know how we worked, our issues and the sensitivities that exist within our sector which has added real value to our operation. In addition to maintaining LINK, Northgate will also provide additional support services across our operations, allowing our staff to focus on delivering to our customers across the UK. Overall, Northgate are enabling us to provide the highest possible level of service to customers.”

James Turnbull, Managing Director of Northgate’s Infrastructure Solutions division added, “We are delighted to support AAH Pharmaceutical’s diverse and developing business requirements. We remain dedicated to ensuring that our robust “Manage” solution provides the organisation with the flexibility and enhanced customer service capabilities to continue to grow and develop its business. We look forward to advancing this relationship and would like to take this opportunity to congratulate AAH Pharmaceutical on its many successes to date.”

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Picture Caption – Northern Ireland based Northgate Information Solutions has agreed a contract worth more than £2million with leading UK pharmaceutical distributor, AHH which will help ensure that pharmacies throughout the UK are fully supported throughout the transition to becoming ‘New Contract Compliant’ for the ‘Electronic Transfer of Prescriptions’. The three year contact will provide AAH with rapid response cover for its ‘LINK’ system.

Northgate launches new energy performance partnerships in social housing

2008-06-29T23:00:00+01:00

Northgate launches new energy performance partnerships in social housing

Northgate Information Solutions today launches its innovative energy performance partnerships, enabling social housing providers to deliver high quality energy performance certificates (EPCs) for their homes, benefiting tenants and the community by contributing to greater energy efficiency at home.

Social landlords will benefit from a unique partnership with Northgate, a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets, offering greater access to first-class technology, training and assessing services and supporting landlords throughout the EPC process.

The partnership will provide social landlords with a choice between procuring EPCs through a cost-effective in-house service or an outsourced service with approved energy assessors, ensuring that they are given the freedom to benefit from services tailored to their needs. Key elements of the energy performance partnerships include:

• membership of Northgate’s leading energy assessor accreditation scheme, which ensures quality and permits employees to submit EPCs to the central government register;
• access to Northgate’s proven accredited software to support the work of energy assessors in effectively and efficiently producing EPCs;
• access to comprehensive and accurate EPC data, through integration with housing management information;
• access to providers with a 100% success rate in training energy assessors;
• optional mobile services for energy assessors, enabling them to capture information on-site, increasing productivity and improving the quality of EPC information;
• the choice of an outsourced service that provides access to fully qualified energy assessors, all of whom are monitored by the Northgate accreditation scheme.

Russell Osborne, Managing Director of Land & Property at Northgate Public Services, said today:

“The battle against climate change will only be won by an innovative and collaborative response involving us all. The role of social landlords has changed dramatically in recent times, developing from simply providing social housing for citizens to contributing effectively to community wellbeing. We are committed to working in partnership with social landlords to promote awareness of energy efficiency and bring about a sea-change in organisational and personal attitudes towards energy usage.”
- Ends -
For more information:

Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton 020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com
Kuntal Biswas 020 7849 3347; 07930 566291; kbiswas@fellowsassociates.com

Notes to editors

2 In the UK, the company works with four out of five local authorities and every police force. Northgate supports public service transformation through sustainable performance partnerships. Its technology and services are used in the energy efficiency assessment of new dwellings and existing buildings. It operates an accreditation scheme for domestic energy assessors. Its services are used in the management of over three million local authority and housing association properties worldwide. Founded in 1969, the company has over 6,500 employees.

3. Northgate works in partnership with local authorities, ALMOs, registered social landlords and the not-for-profit sector in the management of over 1.5 million local authority and housing association properties in the UK – more than a third of all social housing stock in the country.

Northgate urges a greener and more transparent system for homebuyers

2008-06-25T23:00:00+01:00

In a response to the Conservative Party’s home buying review, Northgate welcomes the implementation of energy performance certificates (EPCs) for homes, arguing that they are crucial to reducing the country’s carbon footprint and changing attitudes to energy efficiency. However, the submission states that if this is to occur, citizens must be given greater access to energy performance information, strengthening public trust in the system.

Northgate urged local authorities to take a leading role in encouraging consumer action on the advice contained within EPCs. The company adds that councils should be given full access to energy performance information of homes within their area, monitoring progress in individual areas and enforcing targeted action to encourage changes in behaviour.

Northgate highlights further key steps needed to be taken to create an energy efficient home buying system including:

- raising citizen awareness about the role of EPCs through greater transparency and enhanced information available to the public;
- better informing citizens of the ways to offer their feedback and make complaints;
- creating an online channel linked to the central government register to enable citizens to review the energy efficiency performance of the home they wish to buy.

Russell Osborne, Managing Director of Land & Property at Northgate Public Services, said today: “Our homes are responsible for 27% of the country’s carbon emissions. Achieving deep cuts in emissions is critical if we are to tackle climate change and deliver healthy and sustainable communities. We must maximise the benefits of Energy Performance Certificates and ensure that all homebuyers are given access to comprehensive information for attitudes towards energy efficiency to improve.

In addition, fair markets must operate across the home-buying system ensuring full transparency in the contracting out of energy efficiency services by government. The process of buying and selling a home should fully address the needs of consumers demanding a fast and effective system whilst doing more to ensure the UK can meet the challenge of climate change.”

[ENDS]

For more information:
Fellows’ Associates
Kathy Sutton 020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com
Kuntal Biswas 020 7849 3347; 07930 566291; kbiswas@fellowsassociates.com

Notes to Editors

2. In the UK, the company works with four out of five local authorities and every police force. Northgate supports public service transformation through sustainable performance partnerships. Its technology and services are used in the energy efficiency assessment of new dwellings and existing buildings. It currently operates the accreditation scheme for domestic energy assessors in England and Wales. Its services are used in the management of over three million local authority and housing association properties worldwide. Founded in 1969, the company has over 6,500 employees.

UK business risking �2 billion from CV 'swindlers'

2008-06-17T23:00:00+01:00

UK business risking £2 billion from CV ‘swindlers’~ cost of recruitment errors revealed as NorthgateArinso launches new service to stop ‘bad recruitment’ ~ UK businesses risk wasting up to £2 billion every year recruiting employees who have omitted important information from CVs, according to new figures from NorthgateArinso. NorthgateArinso has found that 5 per cent of job seekers are rejected because of potentially damaging information that would not normally be discovered through typical background checks. This five per cent, multiplied by the average cost of recruitment and the volume of recruitment in the UK, equals a potential cost of £2 billion every year[1]. The figures have been unveiled at the launch of a new service from NorthgateArinso, enabling employers to make thorough checks of CVs and candidate references. NorthgateArinso PeopleChecking can (with the permission of the candidate) verify employment history, academic qualifications and professional memberships, as well as financial and criminal records and driving licence endorsements. This allows employers to avoid the cost of recruitment errors and time-consuming reference checks. According to MORI, 33 per cent of organisations claim they don’t have time to check employee references. In the same survey, 7.5 million people in the UK admitted to having potentially misleading information on their CVs.
“The fact that employees are still bluffing on CVs, and employers are still failing to check their facts underlines the need for better background checks,” said George Elkington, director of business development at NorthgateArinso PeopleChecking. “The cost of a good background check could be just £50, which as we’ve seen is very low compared to the cost of recruiting the wrong person.”
PeopleChecking saves employers’ time by using web-based systems and workflow technology to streamline the referencing process. The service is based on NorthgateArinso’s technology platform, and has been launched following the company’s acquisition of AST Check, completed this month.

“British businesses can’t afford to waste this much money in the current economic climate,” Elkington concluded. “The scale of potential wasted cash is huge – in fact it’s double the entire seasonal wage packet for the English Premier League football teams.”

(341 words)

NOTES TO EDITORSAbout NorthgateArinso www.northgatearinso.co.uk NorthgateArinso is a leading global Human Resources software & services provider offering innovative HR business solutions to employers of all sizes, including Global Fortuneä 500 companies and many Public Sector organisations. We help HR executives optimise their HR service delivery through smarter process and more efficient technology, supporting key HR areas like workforce administration, payroll, benefits, recruitment, learning, and talent management. Our 4,500 employees are dedicated to HR excellence through strategic business consulting, outsourcing services, systems integration and best-of-breed software solutions. We are one of the 5 largest HR service providers world wide and have offices in 31 countries on 5 continents. The Northgate Group is owned by private equity company Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) and currently employs over 6,500 staff and operates in 46 countries across 5 continents.

[1] Figures are based on 29.5M UK workforce; 18% annual employee churn [CIPD annual recruitment and turnover report, 2007] + 336,000 new jobs created [ONS, May 2007]. 5 per cent of new recruits are subsequently rejected because of CV error [figures from NorthgateArinso] and total cost of recruitment is £7,250 [CIPD annual recruitment and turnover report, 2007]. Total calculated lost revenue was £2,046,675,000 per annum.

Northgate secures energy performance first in Northern Ireland

2008-06-17T23:00:00+01:00

Northgate secures energy performance first in Northern Ireland

Northgate Information Solutions, a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets, today announces that it has secured accreditation from BRE, the leading environmental certification body, to enable its software that measures home energy performance in England and Wales to be used across Northern Ireland.

The first organisation to secure this accreditation for Northern Ireland, Northgate will provide its software for the production of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) from 30th June 2008, when they become required for residential sales.

The Department of Finance and Personnel for Northern Ireland (DFP) with the agreement of Communities and Local Government (CLG) has agreed that accredited Domestic Energy Assessors, already qualified to work in England and Wales, can work in Northern Ireland, following completion of an additional training module. This enables Northgate’s existing accredited Domestic Energy Assessors to produce EPCs in Northern Ireland.

Northgate’s software and services can now be used by assessors in Northern Ireland involved in the production of the following:

• energy performance certificates for existing homes for sale from 30th June 2008;
• energy performance certificates for rental of existing homes including social housing from 30th December 2008.

The duty to have an EPC produced is on the seller, the lessee or the builder.

Russell Osborne, Managing Director of Land & Property for Northgate Public Services, said today:

“We are committed to helping Northern Ireland reduce its carbon footprint through the efficient and effective use of EPCs. We are delighted to be the first organisation to receive approval for our software.

“Domestic Energy Assessors accredited by Northgate are currently providing excellent services across England and Wales. We are pleased to be able to support them in extending their work to Northern Ireland and contributing to the smooth roll out of energy performance certificates in 2008.”

- Ends -

For more information:

Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton 020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com
Kuntal Biswas 020 7849 3347; 07930 566291; kbiswas@fellowsassociates.com

Notes to editors

2. In the UK, the company works with four out of five local authorities and every police force. Northgate supports public service transformation through sustainable performance partnerships. Its technology and services are used in the energy efficiency assessment of new dwellings and existing buildings. It currently operates the accreditation scheme for domestic energy assessors in England and Wales. Its services are used in the management of over three million local authority and housing association properties worldwide. Founded in 1969, the company has over 6,500 employees.

Northgate strengthens its local government team with business development appointment

2008-06-16T23:00:00+01:00

NEWS RELEASE

17th June 2008

Northgate strengthens its local government team with business development appointment

Northgate Information Solutions today announces the key appointment of Vipul Patel to its local government team as the company spearheads its drive to deliver innovative performance partnerships with local authorities across the UK.

Vipul, who has been appointed Business Development Director for Northgate Kendric Ash, joins Northgate from Serco where he worked as Regional Director for Local Government. In that role, he led the company’s local government strategy in the Midlands, specialising in managing ties with local councils and delivering public services development within the region.

At Northgate, he will be directly responsible for furthering business development in public services with Northgate’s local authority partners, placing particular emphasis on building and strengthening incremental partnerships.

Councils working alongside Northgate Information Solutions are able to radically improve services and realise efficiencies throughout the contract period and beyond, through unique public-private partnership arrangements linking fees to performance and prioritising the transfer of skills to employees.

Joe Bradley, Managing Director of Local Government & Social Housing for Northgate Public Services, said today:

“We are delighted to welcome Vipul to our team. His experience working with local authorities will be a valuable asset in developing our transformation services for our partners across the country. Our performance partnerships offer councils guaranteed outcomes, lower risk and heightened rewards, helping to make a real difference to people’s lives. Vipul’s appointment highlights our commitment to putting sustainable transformation at the heart of public services.”

[Ends]

For more information

Fellows’ Associates
Kathy Sutton 020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com
Kuntal Biswas 020 7849 3347; 07930 566291; kbiswas@fellowsassociates.com

NEW TECHNOLOGY HELPS SCOTTISH CHILDREN�S CHARITY FOCUS ON SUPPORT SERVICES

2008-06-16T23:00:00+01:00

NEW TECHNOLOGY HELPS SCOTTISH CHILDREN’S CHARITY FOCUS ON SUPPORT SERVICES

Northern Ireland based Northgate Information Solutions new web and email management systems enhances services provided by Aberlour Childcare Trust

An investment in the latest ‘web and email management’ IT support technology, delivered by Newtownabbey based Northgate is enabling Aberlour Child Care Trust (Aberlour) to more effectively manage its web and email services, while freeing up staff time to focus on providing dedicated care, support and advice to more than 6000 vulnerable children and young people each year.

Established more than 130 years ago, Aberlour employs over 800 staff in over 44 project locations throughout Scotland. The Trust provides valuable support services for children, young people and families who require additional assistance to help promote their development and well being.

By the nature of the services provided by Aberlour and due to the geographical spread of its operations, email has become an essential communications tool in the delivery of information and services to staff and service users. With little in the way of spam protection the level of spam mail was high. This led to cluttered mailboxes and interrupted internet access due to the time taken to download and distribute unwanted mail.

A more robust system was required to tackle the issue of ‘junk email’ and to provide greater system protection. Working in partnership with Northgate, the Aberlour Child Care Trust implemented a new web and email management system. The Webroot SAAS system provided the Trust with specialist anti-spamming and anti-virus software, as well as freeing up its internet bandwidth. Staff now have a consistent flow of mail, and the level of unwanted mail (spam) has dramatically reduced.

Commenting on the implementation of the email support service, Barry Revill, Information Systems Manager with Aberlour Childcare Trust said; “Northgate has reclaimed our ability to communicate with stakeholders and staff by dramatically enhancing the way we conduct business. Junk mail was a particular problem which significantly hindered our operations but this has been tackled head-on enabling our staff to maximise efficiency and deal with the real issues and problems impacting on the lives of Scottish children.”

Mr Revill continued; “Northgate’s expertise has been invaluable in implementing the new support systems. They really took the time to get to know how we worked, our issues and the sensitivities that exist within our sector which has added real value to our operation.”

James Turnbull, Managing Director of Northgate’s Infrastructure Solutions division added, “We are delighted to support the Aberlour Child Care Trust. The Trust does a tremendous job throughout Scotland and I am confident that our robust “connect”, “manage” and “protect” solutions will only help to enhance its services. Benefits of the solutions include enhanced customer service and improved staff productivity. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Aberlour Child Care Trust on its many successes to date and I sincerely hope that many more children, young people and families will now be able to take advantage of the Trust’s expertise and assistance as a result of this system upgrade.”

-ENDS-

Latest Patient Record Management System Delivers Results for NHS Lothian

2008-06-04T23:00:00+01:00

Latest Patient Record Management System Delivers Results for NHS Lothian
- New Scanning and Storage Solution Offers Enhanced Security and Cost Saving Benefits
- First system to electronically transfer patient data straight to centralised NHS Database

A ground-breaking document scanning and storage solution, being implemented by NHS Lothian, is set to revolutionise the management of the clinical records of around 800,000 patients in the region, delivering enhanced security as well as significant time and cost saving efficiencies for the NHS Board.

Glasgow-based Northgate Information Solutions, in partnership with e-Docs UK, has been working with NHS Lothian to address the escalating problem of document storage and protection, which historically has resulted in the creation of over five million patient records (equating to over 32km of shelf space) being stored by the Board.

As a result of the investment, Northgate and e-Docs UK have introduced the latest scanning and storage technology to digitally record the clinical records of all existing and new patients. As the average patient record comprises approximately 220 separate pieces of paper, the system ensures all data relating to the individual’s health is readily available via the new secure system, from x-ray reports and prescription records to GP referral letters and consultant discharge summaries. In addition to providing a more immediate overview of an individual’s clinical history, the software application also indexes each document to improve speed of access for future referencing.

The solution, which is able to process around 30,000 documents per day across four hospital locations*, is also unique as it electronically transfers all scanned information straight to NHS Scotland’s centralised data storage facility - SCI-Store** - offering further data protection benefits, and eliminating the risks and delays associated with the manual transfer of paper copies.

According to Martin Egan, NHS Lothian’s Director of eHealth, the investment will pay huge dividends: “This new technology will dramatically impact on our administrative processes. Cost savings and efficiencies will be delivered by significantly reducing time spent manually lodging and recording data. Added to that, the enhanced data security and support services give us a level of protection which is critical to the running of our entire operation.”

James Turnbull, Managing Director of Northgate’s Infrastructure Solutions division added: “We’re delighted that our successful partnership with e-Docs UK is helping to deliver tangible benefits for NHS Lothian. Never before have issues such as security, resilience and continuity been so relevant to data management and we’re confident these robust and comprehensive ‘store’ and ‘conserve’ solutions will be of genuine value to the NHS at a regional level and beyond.”

When the roll-out of the project across the four sites is complete, Ian Daniels, Sales & Marketing Director of e-Docs UK believes the new patient record management system will offer great potential to the health sector in general: “Together with Northgate IS, we’re very pleased to have been selected to implement this innovative Patient Records Management solution. NHS Lothian now has the potential for rapid access to all patient records which will deliver significant improvements in clinical effectiveness and information governance while reducing administration costs. Our eHealth business sector is rapidly growing and we believe this presents a great opportunity to assist other NHS Boards to address similar challenges.”

Ends
For further information contact Claire Bonner, Morrow Communications, Tel: 028 9039 3837

Notes to the Editor:
*The four hospital sites included are: Western General Hospital, Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and St John's Hospital.
**Each NHS Board in Scotland has its own instance of a nationally developed data repository called SCI (Scottish Care Information) Store.

About Northgate IS:
Scottish-based Northgate Infrastructure Solutions, which is a division of Northgate Information Solutions (Northgate IS: www.northgate-is.com), has offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Linlithgow. Northgate Infrastructure Solutions is a leading supplier of specialist ICT services and solutions focussing on harnessing technology to improve business outcomes.
• Mobility and access services and solutions to allow staff to work anytime anywhere from any device.
• Managing ICT Assets to ensure businesses can rely on availability of IT as a key business tool.
• Storage services and solutions to ensure efficient storage, retrieval and management of information and applications.
• Protection for information, applications and infrastructure to safeguard customer relationships and reputation.
• Providing effective services and solutions to reduce carbon footprint, waste and energy costs.
• Utilising infrastructure to provide effective communications and reduce operating costs.

Northgate IS (Scotland) employs 40 staff throughout the region, and works with a wide range of public and private sector organisations including Grampian Fire & Rescue Service, United Dairy Farmers, Petroleum Experts, National Trust for Scotland and Balfour Beatty Rail
Globally Northgate Information Solutions is a market leader in providing specialist software, outsourcing and information technology (IT) services to the human resources, local government, education and public safety markets.
The Northgate Group is owned by private equity company Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) and currently employs over 6,500 staff and operates in 46 countries across 5 continents.
Northgate has approximately 4,500 large/medium customers and approximately 10,500 small to medium enterprise (SME) customers worldwide. Northgate works closely with over 20% of the Fortune 500 leading US companies, 90% of the UK local authorities and all of the UK's police forces.

About e-Docs UK:
Established in 1988, e-Docs UK is a leading provider of Business Process Optimisation services that give greater control over documents and processes along with major improvements in productivity, efficiency and customer service.
Today, we work with over 150 UK organisations, ranging from some of the worlds largest companies through to smaller, equally important SME enterprises. Our clients cover all industry sectors from finance, central and local government through to manufacturing and healthcare.
By bringing together documents and data from a variety of different digital and traditional formats, e-Docs UK provides solutions that focus on the business application lifecycle from creation through ongoing internal and external review and finally to long term legal archive.

Loewy selects NorthgateArinso to reduce risk

2008-06-02T23:00:00+01:00

Loewy selects NorthgateArinso to reduce risk
~ chooses ‘best match’ provider to unify process, reduce risk and make HR green ~
Loewy, the fast-growing marketing group, has selected NorthgateArinso to implement the fully integrated HR and payroll solution ResourceLink, centralising the two functions across the Group for the first time.
All of Loewy’s companies, encompassing 400 employees, will have access to a unified HR and payroll process. Moving to a central function will reduce divisional exposure to risk, as it will have a robust and reliable system in place, as well as experts managing the process. NorthgateArinso will also help Loewy move closer to its environmental objectives – in the future, paper payslips will only be produced if specifically requested as the whole system moves online.
Loewy chose to implement a solution based on NorthgateArinso’s MyView software – part of ResourceLink. It has already been launched to one division, and will roll out to the rest of the company in the next few months. MyView was specifically chosen to help Loewy reduce administration and to use technology to link its divisions, while helping it to go green.
“Using ResourceLink we’re able to manage employee information much more efficiently and effectively, across the whole company,” said Beverley Mallon, Head of HR at Loewy. “As well as enabling us to have a much clearer overview of our employees, the system also provides a unified experience for all staff across the company. Being able to report on employee trends more easily will help us to work as one big company, rather than lots of smaller divisions.”
She continued: “NorthgateArinso was the best match for us because of its background and approach to service. As one of the market leaders in the field, we feel confident it will provide the support, expertise and flexibility we need.”
Malcolm Aldis, managing director at NorthgateArinso, commented: “Centralising the HR and payroll function will make it much easier for Loewy to manage people and information. As well as supporting Loewy’s intention to work as a unified organisation, we’re pleased to be able to help the company do its bit towards reducing its carbon footprint, bringing paperless processes
to HR.”
(361 words)

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Loewy Group
Loewy is a unique group of complementary marketing specialists with great individual reputations, brought together to create a challenger agency under a brand with an iconic, global, brand building heritage and interdisciplinary collaboration at its heart. The agency is ranked the second largest independent agency in Design Week’s current sector ranking and over the last three years Loewy has grown to over 400 people and a £47million turnover.
Loewy’s family of marketing specialists has strengths across the food/FMCG, technology, corporate and public sectors. It offers clients expert depth and breadth in design, PR, branding and communications disciplines. Clients include: Hitachi, Nestle, Samsung, Tesco, Coca-Cola and adidas. For more information on Loewy please go to: http://www.loewygroup.com/

About NorthgateArinso
Northgate Information Solutions is a market leader in providing specialist software, outsourcing and information technology (IT) services to the human resources, local government, education and public safety markets.

Northgate, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, currently employs over 6,000 staff and operates in 46 countries across 5 continents.

Northgate has approximately 4,500 large/medium customers and approximately 10,500 small to medium enterprise (SME) customers world wide. The many corporate organisations Northgate works closely with include over 20% of fortune 500 clients ,90% of the UK local authorities and all of the UK’s police forces.

For further information, please contact:
Suzy Ferguson or Lisa Gillingham at LEWIS

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7802 2626
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7802 2627
Email: suzyf / lisag@lewispr.com
Internet: http://www.lewispr.com

Building capacity in the public sector critical to effective elections

2008-06-01T23:00:00+01:00

Building capacity in the public sector critical to effective elections

Building capacity at a local level will help deliver a modern, effective and efficient electoral administration system, Northgate Information Solutions said today.

In a response to the Electoral Commission’s review of electoral administration structures, Northgate focused on the need to engage in new and innovative partnerships to build resources, capacity and capability within the public sector and strengthen the democratic process.

Northgate’s response highlighted the poor resourcing of elections which had led to inconsistent management in the past, and that successful elections were often dependent on the dedication of individual staff rather than on effective processes.

The response called for a new partnership approach to harness the talents and skills of the private sector in order to enhance the skills and capacity of those working in the electoral community. This approach must move beyond day-to-day discussions around technology and involve both parties in strategic discussions around leadership and project management to more effectively serve the electorate.

The response also called for:

- a more detailed examination of the role of information technology within the electoral administration system;
- public information and education to play an increasingly significant role in the elections process;
- greater clarity around roles and responsibilities for those working in electoral administration;
- the introduction of a cut-off time for policy change in advance of any election;
- the law to be streamlined to focus on electoral policy rather than the micro-management of elections;
- consideration of performance partnerships with the private sector where fees were linked to performance improvement.

Russell Osborne, Managing Director of Land & Property at Northgate Public Services, said today:
“New and innovative partnerships between the public and private sectors are key to modernising democracy in the UK. Far more emphasis must be placed on identifying best practice, transferring skills and streamlining processes to ensure that the needs of the electorate are placed at the heart of the system. Only through building capacity in the public sector will we be able to deliver an electorate-focused system able to deliver efficient and effective services now and in the future.”

- Ends -

For more information:
Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton 020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com
Naomi Stevenson 020 7849 3508; 07966 890403; nstevenson@fellowsassociates.com

NorthgateArinso ensures success for NFU Mutual

2008-05-20T23:00:00+01:00

NorthgateArinso ensures success for NFU Mutual
~ insurance firm signs contract for a hosted HR and payroll solution, including self-service and performance management ~

NFU Mutual, the insurance, pensions and investments company, has signed a five-year deal with NorthgateArinso to implement ResourceLink, its integrated payroll and HR solution. This builds on NFU Mutual’s long-standing relationship with the HR specialist, and includes online services and performance management for employees.

NFU Mutual chose to implement ResourceLink as it offers a single database for HR, payroll and training, and will help the company deliver efficient services to its 2,800 employees, 1,150 pensioners and its tied agency network. Working with NorthgateArinso, the company is able to invest in a long-term approach, evolving its HR service to support its current and future business objectives.

The solution includes NorthgateArinso’s MyView software, a tool that allows employees to manage administration tasks online: from updating personal details to booking training courses, reducing the admin burden on HR staff. ResourceLink also includes a performance management module that will allow employees to review pre-set objectives and competencies, as well as manage their own development plans and appraisals.

“With NorthgateArinso’s system we’re able to increase the quality of services we offer to our employees”, said Sarah Sinclair at NFU Mutual. “We can also contribute to their personal development, which is a business priority. In addition, as we’re regulated by the FSA, NorthgateArinso’s modules help us stay in line with Principles-based regulation.”

Malcolm Aldis, managing director at NorthgateArinso, commented: “Using the performance management module, employees will work more actively on their continuous improvement within the organisation. At the same time, the self service module will reduce administration and allow HR staff to focus on more strategic tasks.”

The next stage of the work will integrate NorthgateArinso’s ancillary services, such as salary modelling and into the core solution.

(305 words)

NOTES TO EDITORS

About NFU Mutual

With over 300 offices located in rural towns and villages throughout the UK, NFU Mutual has become part of the fabric of rural life and remains committed to serving the needs of people who visit, live or work in the countryside.

Recognised as a UK leading rural insurer, NFU Mutual offers a wide range of products, including general insurance, life, pensions, investments, and risk management services. These products and services are delivered through the agency network, as well as through a direct sales and service centre.

For further information, please contact:
Kelly Desinioti or Lisa Gillingham at LEWIS