ICO3: A company born out of a commitment to create strong links between business and academia
A Case Study of Plymouth University and private enterprise working in partnership
ICO3 is a website development and online marketing company formed in 2000 as a Plymouth University spin out company, which originally started in 1997 when a team of researchers began undertaking a variety of web development projects to assist teaching and learning and help businesses adapt to technical change.
ICO3 moved to the Tamar Science Park in 2001 and since then have continued to grow and expand with turnover this year (2012) increasing by 20%.
They currently operate a portfolio of websites in both the public and private sectors and provide clients with professional, customised solutions to suit their specific business requirements including website design and functionality, and search engine optimisation.
Right from the start ICO3 have been supporting small businesses and helping them through the challenging world of business internet use, and currently support twenty small local businesses from a range of sectors.
As a University partner and a growing business in the Peninsula Growth Acceleration and Investment Network (GAIN), they are also passionate about setting an 'empowering' example to students and staff of what can be achieved with a sound business model and hard work. They currently employ eight Plymouth University graduates and many ICO3 employees started at the company as placement students or interns.
"The company was born out of the University's drive and commitment to create strong links between business and academia. We are a fast growing, research based company committed to employing qualified and enthusiastic staff. Using placement students, interns and graduates from the University has helped us to employ qualified staff we can grow and shape into very capable employees."
David Gadd, CEO, ICO3 Limited
Some of ICO3's key E Commerce clients are:
Pet Express - http://www.thepetexpress.co.uk ; Simply Cornish Hampers - http://www.simplycornishhampers.com ; Cut Plastic Sheeting - http://www.cutplasticsheeting.co.uk ; Custom Wall Designs - http://www.customwalldesigns.co.uk ; Bird Kids - http://www.birdkids.co.uk; Daisy Baby Shop - http://www.daisybabyshop.co.uk; Beaux Cadeaux - http://www.beauxcadeaux.co.uk ; Past Impressions - http://www.past-impressions.co.uk; Arundell Arms Shop - http://www.arundellarmsshop.co.uk; Launchtech - http://www.launchtech.co.uk ; Bear Works - http://www.thebearworks.co.uk ; Jamaica Inn - http://www.jamaicainngifts.co.uk ; Fitness Store - http://www.thefitnessstore.co.uk ; Men's Gift Company - http://www.mensgiftcompany.com; 20 20 Plastics - http://www.plasticwalletshop.co.uk ; Greedy Monkey - http://www.greedy-monkey.com ; First Choice Fireplaces - http://www.firstchoicefireplaces.co.uk; Games and Model kits - http://www.gamesandmodelkits.co.uk ; Coast Solutions - http://www.coastsolutions.co.uk ; RSL -http://www.roofingsuppliesuk.co.uk
Key benefits for the University:
Employment and work experience for students and graduates
Enables strong links between academia and business informing teaching and learning
Benefits for the business:
Access to talented students and graduates
On-going support and guidance from University experts
Received funding through the University enabling the company to expand
The benefits of this relationship are two-fold with ICO3 benefiting from its close links with the University and it's many departments and the University benefiting from being able to place students and graduates with the company, enabling them to gain invaluable knowledge and experience of a growing commercial company. Many of these interns have then gone on to gain full-time employment at ICO3. ICO3 also have a commitment to maintaining academic links to its growing client base, which in turn benefits teaching and learning at the University.
ICO3's drive to further grow the company was recognised when they were awarded funding through the popular Plymouth University and Western Morning News Growth Fund (PWGF), which enabled them to employ an additional seven professional staff with career progression, at a time of great economic downturn in the region.
In the long-term the company has a business plan with a clear vision, goals, achievable routes to market, sustainable income and high growth, and are on their way to a £1 million turnover per annum within the next three years.
"The University has helped us to develop our expertise, grow the business and give us the enthusiasm to succeed. Our relationship with the University has always been successful right from grass roots business contracts and participation in University initiatives."
David Gadd, CEO, ICO3 Limited
