Fast Facts

• ICO3 created as a spin-out company from Plymouth University in 2000
• 10 years’ experience in web design and project management
• Current focus on e-commerce - now with 16 partners
• Won £80,000 PWGF award to further develop e-commerce offering
• Seven new jobs created with ambitious plans for growth

Background

The company started in 2000 as a University of Plymouth spin out specialising in web design and project management with four directors from the University, each with a 25 per cent company share.  David Gadd has led the company since that time and is still CEO today; in 2006 Nicola Bonning joined and is Managing Director.   In the last few years the focus has been on creating a successful e-commerce partnership model.

GAIN – the benefits

ICO3 has a number of links with the GAIN network including the Tamar Science Park, the Plymouth University and Western Morning News Growth Fund (PWGF) and the University of Plymouth itself.

David has found the combination of these factors an important element in acquiring resources and maintaining growth. “Relationships with different members of the GAIN network have provided ICO3 with accommodation, access to funding and knowledge transfer, which has been vital in a fast-moving industry like e-commerce.”

The high-tech office space at Tamar Science Park has given ICO3 a flexible contract, ultra-fast broadband as well as impressive state-of-the-art office space. David said: “Tamar Science Park lets us move at short notice to larger spaces as we grow; the high-spec offices also leave a great impression on clients.”

ICO3 has successfully bid for an £80,000 PWGF award, which has enabled the company to employ seven new staff onto its e-commerce team and implement ambitious plans for growth in this area of the business.

“E-commerce is a rapidly expanding market for ICO3 and one which we have invested heavily into,” said David, “the challenge now is to sustain the positions created with the PWGF award and turn it into £1 million of revenue. E-commerce is certainly the future of the company.”  

Out of the current twelve ICO3 staff, several are Plymouth University graduates. “The link with the University has been vital to our success in providing us with first class graduates with specific e-commerce and web knowledge,” said David.

Results and the future

• Tamar Science Park has provided flexibility for growth and impressive high-spec office accommodation
• £80,000 PWGF award creating seven new ‘e-commerce’ jobs
• Ambitious plans for growth, focusing on e-commerce
• Continue to recruit highly skilled individuals from Plymouth University
• Successful e-commerce partnerships including,

www.birdkids.co.uk

www.arundellarmsshop.co.uk

www.thepetexpress.co.uk

www.customwalldesigns.co.uk

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