CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNER PLATINUM: ACS


BUSINESS PARTNERS


LOOKING BACK… From humble beginnings and a pledge to provide a ‘no surprises’ approach to business, ACS is a prime example of dedicated hard work and excellent customer service. As a leading workplace, telephony and IT business, ACS has influenced how we work since 1995 through great office design, proven technology and its core values of ‘Attitude, Commitment and Integrity’. Within two years of trading, ACS


had revenues over £1m and many of those first customers, like Kettering General Hospital and O’Riordan Bond Estate Agents remain clients today. By 2000, ACS had procured its current headquarters, ACS House on Brackmills but has never forgotten its roots in a converted bathroom in Birchfield Road East, Abington, and ACS’ passion to support local business and charities has never wavered. ACS recently supported Lord Bird’s ‘social echo’ movement; championing local businesses through spreading the word around how £1 spent locally equates to £1.70 for the Northamptonshire economy. Fast forward to today and ACS’


extensive technical knowledge has enabled its inclusion in the Crown Commercial Services’ framework, as one of only 22 IT companies.


TAKING STOCK OF NOW… After ACS’ co-founder John Harley retired last year and Gordon Howe


Chamber Business Partners are an exclusive group of influential companies from within the Northamptonshire Chamber membership. There are three levels of membership – Silver, Gold and Platinum


ACS: SUPPORTING NORTHAMPTONSHIRE FOR 25 YEARS


L-R: Stephen Harley, Kevin McAllister, Michael Harley, Jon Thorpe, John Harley, Gordon Howe, Mark Andrews


“When you combine the right technology with ACS’ experience, operations can attract the best people, be more productive and have fun too. Smart buildings with collaborative spaces, quiet zones and ‘green’ offices are all areas that ACS will focus on to help improve the office environment and create a happier, more productive workforce for clients.”


Michael Harley, workplace sales director, ACS


announced he will follow suit in February, ACS has prepared its senior leadership for change. Jon Thorpe, as managing director, has promoted a new Board from within the business. John’s youngest son, Michael


Harley is stepping into Gordon’s shoes as workplace sales director; ready to carry on his father’s legacy even if it means wading through flood waters, as his father did after the floods of 1998. When heavy rainfall caused over £75m in damages to the area, John went door-to-door across the area, building temporary offices to help operations get back up and running. Whilst Michael would prefer to stay


24 inbusiness FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020


dry, he’s ready to roll-up his sleeves and showcase what is achievable in truly modern workplaces. Jon Thorpe shared: “I’ve spent


nearly half my life at ACS, and it’s been an incredible journey. Today, we have a talented new Board, a unique proposition and a real depth of knowledge in IT and Workplace solutions through our global partner community.” Stephen Harley added: “Our clear


growth strategy, coupled with the CCS’ framework inclusion, has enthused our teams. Our next challenge is finding new talent to join us, which is why we are partnering with the University of Northampton in our recruitment strategy.”


LOOKING AHEAD… Continuous growth beckons. Services are available with professional installation by ACS’ own security and technical teams, trained by their global partner community. The technical team is the largest in the 100+ strong organisation. As a Microsoft Gold partner, ACS


advise businesses on new ways of working in the office and when working remotely. The team can even assist in procuring Government-recognised cyber security accreditations, including ‘Cyber Essentials’ and ‘Cyber Essentials Plus’ to better support clients and reduce risk; sharing best practices for employees with technology, mitigating the risks of cybercrime. Looking optimistically to the next


phase of hard work, fun and growth, by the end of 2020, ACS will have its very own ‘Smart Building’ which will be very different to typical Northampton offices. Though, through understanding the Modern Workplace, ACS believe it’s good to be different.


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