If the imposing building on Agecroft Road could talk, it would begin by telling you the story of the workers of Agecroft Power Station, who were the first to enter its doors in 1925. Fast forward to 2018, and it would speak of IT Lab’s people, who recently walked through those same doors for the last time after two decades.
A new chapter for IT Lab has begun as we take up residence in Lowry Mill, which gives us another glimpse of Manchester’s rich heritage. Built in 1883, the former Victorian spinning mill fed the textile industry for more than a century. It takes its name from the artist renowned for his paintings of matchstick men and women. Just a short stroll away, a blue plaque marks L.S Lowry’s home of nearly 30 years.
Relocating a 100-strong team and a complex infrastructure with minimal disruption demanded planning of military precision. Nick Isherwood, IT Lab’s Director of Infrastructure Services and Regional MD: “A large proportion of the physical work was able to take place over a single weekend. By 9.30am Monday morning everything was operational with all of our people enjoying the new environment. It really was a tremendous team effort and one which we will be repeating shortly as we undertake a similar project in our London location.”
The offices were formally opened by Mike Mason of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Peter Sweetbaum, IT Lab’s CEO added: “We were delighted to have the Chamber with us on our special day, especially as we’re now their Technology Services Patron.
“Lowry Mill is a fantastic facility. Riverside served us well, but our new location reflects who we are today, and will accommodate our plans for the future. The additional controls for permitting access to our offices have allowed us to purpose-build our new Security Operations Centre. The entire space lends itself to collaboration and growth, and we’re looking forward to showing our clients around.
“Most of the same team will be involved when we relocate our London office. Having observed them in action in Manchester, I’m confident our next move will be equally seamless.”