News / Isotoma relocate north to enjoy a...
Isotoma relocate north to enjoy a 'Technologically Good Life'
Isotoma, a company at the leading edge of software services development, is the latest addition to York's growing IT & Digital business community as it moves from its original London base to new offices in Tower House, Fishergate, York. Attracted to the city by its excellent communication links and vibrant technological community, owners of the company Doug Winter and Andy Theyers claim that their motivation to move North was also inspired by the need to achieve a better quality of life.
Since arriving in York the company has also announced that it has just been awarded a contract with leading telecommunications company Orange to develop a prototype of a new consumer service they are developing entitled 'Sleevenotez'. The service, based on 'web2.0' technology, will enable consumers to access information not normally available when they download music as an MP3 file and draws together all the different elements of each records 'sleevenotes' from the internet, including song lyrics, photographs, credits and dedications. Previously only found on CD sleeves, this information is then presented in an easy to view format on the 'Sleevenotez' website.
Established in 2004, Isotoma specialises in developing software and web applications to meet their customer's specific needs using Open Source Technology, free and easily accessible software which provides a framework for bespoke applications to be created. Popular because it is much cheaper to use than traditional, off the shelf products and no licence fee is required. Software solutions utilising open source technology can be developed very quickly yet with same range of features as traditional software.
In May of this year Isotoma worked with york-england.com, the inward investment organisation for York and North Yorkshire. Using their wealth of local knowledge and networks york-england assisted Isotoma with their relocation needs highlighting the opportunities to be found with running a business in North Yorkshire. Isotoma made the decision to relocate to Tower House, Fishergate, York from their London base over the summer.
Andy Theyers of Isotoma said: "Whilst London has been a great place to work our vision of how we wanted to both work and live in the future just did not suit that environment. Today's technology means we can be based anywhere, and we now have great offices in the heart of the York. The transport links to the rest of the country cannot be bettered, the potential for developing close working relationships with companies who need our services in the region is fantastic, plus we can bring our families up in a much calmer environment.
Whilst the thought of relocating the business seemed daunting, using york-england.com has made the whole process quick and easy. As well as finding the premises they have also put us in touch with many local business networks including Science City York's IT & Digital cluster and we are confident that Isotoma will flourish in its new location."
One of Isotoma's most prestigious projects is 'The Source', which can be seen every day on BBC Business News when reports are made from the central lobby of the London Stock Exchange. Designed by urban artists Greyworld, Isotoma were commissioned to provide technology support to help maintain this three storey high installation, which comprises 729 electronically controlled glass spheres suspended on wire which light up to reflect activity at the exchange that day. Unveiled by the Queen at the opening of the new Stock Exchange in July 2004, The Source can also create random patterns, words, numbers and shapes and has become an iconic symbol of the City.
More recent projects include the development of an intranet for Littlewoods Shop Direct, online business directories for Business Link Suffolk and Business Link Kent, and a commission from EMI to produce a 'musical library' which allows producers, writers and artists special access to any part of any studio recording to use in remixes and new works.
Denise Stuart, Chief Executive, york-england.com said: "Isotoma are very focused on providing a professional, high quality service to their clients and they have an enormous amount of expertise in this rapidly developing field. We are sure they will prove a great success and we were delighted to be of assistance to them when they chose to enjoy the 'technological good life' in York. We would also like to congratulate them on winning the contract with Orange which appears to be a very exciting new venture for the company"
Andy Gurnell, Business Promoter at Science City York said: "It's great that Isotoma have chosen to relocate to York and we look forward to them becoming actively involved in the growing IT & Digital York cluster."
Theresa Lindsay, Head of Inward Investment and Marketing for Yorkshire Forward said: "Isotoma is an excellent example of a company which has seen the benefits of relocating to this region. As well as a vibrant
