Roger Burgess, formerly joint managing director of information technology division Applegarth IT, became technical director of Applegarth Communications Ltd in December.
The move cements the flourishing company’s decision to merge the IT and telecommunications sides of its operation into a single force as part of its planned growth for this year.
Having recently opened a second office in Birmingham, it plans to further expand its staff of 24 this year with the opening of more offices, including one in Newcastle.
Roger Burgess, 29, said: “It’s been a highly successful year for us – the best since the company was formed in 2004. Joint end-of-year turnover for the two divisions was £4m compared to £1.4m in 2006. Indeed, November was the best month the company has ever seen, securing more than £350,000 in sales.
“My appointment to the board is a reflection of our success in providing a seamless response to increased client demand for joined up telecommunications and IT services.
“These services are intrinsically linked for most companies now and so the time is right to formally join Applegarth Communications and Applegarth IT into a single entity. This will allow us to develop our shared teams approach into a totally integrated structure that will be even better equipped to meet clients’ needs.”
Among the significant contracts secured and delivered by Roger Burgess and his team in 2007 were a series of prestigious projects installing telecommunications and IT equipment at staff call centres for The AA Group.
The company was also appointed as the on-going communications partner to dynamic new UK hotels group Aston Hotels, providing an integrated communications solution to a chain of ‘concept’ hotels, the latest of which will open in March this year.
For the third year running, the IT team was one of only a very few companies in the north of England to achieve Microsoft Gold Certified Partner Status, underpinning its position in the premiership of IT consultants and suppliers.
Applegarth managing director David Marsden said: “Winning the gold award for the third year is testament to the hard work and exacting quality standards of Roger and his team in the IT division. I’m delighted with their success.
“It’s been a year of considerable achievement for Applegarth Communications and this new appointment and amalgamation promises even greater things for us in 2008.”