Northgate-is - News Item 1015

Managed Services appointed selected bidder for ICT provision in Hartlepool Borough Councils' Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme

Northgate Managed Services (Northgate), a leading provider of ICT services and solutions, has been announced as Hartlepool Borough Council’s  selected bidder for the supply of ICT in the  Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme. Subject to final contract negotiations and a successful financial close the parties intend to enter into a contract by February 2010.

This contract  valued at  £12.98m is Northgate’s first ICT-only contract in the BSF programme and builds on success in Bristol,  Leicester, Kent, Blackburn with Darwen and Bolton.   The BSF investment aims to build on the very good standards in Hartlepool by transforming learning in all secondary schools through innovative building designs and personalised learning for all learners.

Northgate will  deliver ICT services to seven schools in Hartlepool; Dyke House Sports and Technology College,; Manor College of Technology, St. Hilds C of E School, English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College,  Catcote Business and Enterprise College  , High Tunstall College of Science and the Pupil Referral Unit. The investment allows for the provision and management of the very latest innovative learning and teaching tools creating technology-rich learning spaces which are responsive, inclusive and supportive of attainment by all.

Northgate will also be supporting Hartlepool’s “Space to Learn” project which is a nationally recognized project to provide a testbed environment to develop and enhance  teaching and learning in the 21st century. It will consist of flexible learning spaces and innovative technologies which will be used by all schools within Hartlepool supported by  Hartlepool’s City Learning Centre and in partnership with Northgate Managed Services, to deliver change.

Northgate already supplies managed services to over 1,200 school and college networks across the UK and is responsible for 17 schools currently benefitting from BSF investment as well as providing interim managed services to an additional 10 BSF schools.  This is Northgate’s fifth BSF contract win, in addition to recent success in the single schools and academies market.

Councillor Cath Hill, Hartlepool Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Hartlepool schools and the council are really excited about the BSF programme and the opportunities this presents for all learners across the town.  The council is looking forward to working with Northgate Managed Services in a true partnership agreement to build on the current good practice that already exists.”

David Hyland, Managing Director, Education, Northgate Managed Services said: “We are delighted to be chosen as selected bidder for Hartlepool Borough Council and look forward to working closely with the schools and council to achieve both individual school objectives and those of the borough as a whole”

For further information about Northgate Managed Services, please visit the web site at: www.northgate-is.com/managedservices.