News From Asidua

Asidua Rolls Up its Sleeve for a Good Cause

2010-07-27T10:43:27Z

With the on-going reduction in blood donations throughout Northern Ireland, global IT services company, Asidua, rolled up its sleeve to encourage local businesses and residents to give blood in aid of the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service.

“Since the start of 2008 we have noticed a significant reduction in the number of blood donation sessions across Northern Ireland; sessions that we heavily rely on” said Andrea Copithorne, Senior Marketing Officer at the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service. “Industrial estates and factories have had to make staff redundancies, while others have even closed. This makes it increasingly difficult for us to find large groups of people who may be willing to donate blood.”

With their highly commended CSR philosophy, Asidua were keen to assist the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service in addressing this concerning down turn - a view fully endorsed by the blood donation team. “The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service is always keen to work with companies like Asidua, who are willing to organise new blood donation sessions and so help us re-address this downward trend.” said Andrea.

As a result the global IT services company, in co-operation with Linfield Properties and the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service recently organised the successful ‘Weavers Court Blood Donation Day’ where local businesses and residents were asked to join Asidua to roll up their sleeves and give blood.

Speaking after the event, Asidua’s COO Angela Canavan said; “Asidua were delighted to have the opportunity to take the lead in organising the recent Weavers Court Blood Donation Day. The positive response from our employees, coupled with that from the local community, helped make the event a resounding success for the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service.”

A similar view was echoed by fellow blood donor and Linfield Properties Manager Gary Cassells; “As a huge supporter of the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service cause I was pleased with the extremely high turnout by local businesses and residents.” Garry continued; “The Weavers Court Blood Donation Day collected over 50 units of blood which will assist many of the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service’s lifesaving programmes.”

Following the success of the inaugural Weavers Court Blood Donation Day, the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service hopes to organise future events at the city centre business park – a hope that Asidua are determined to make a reality. “Building on the success of our first event, I am happy to confirm that Asidua, in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service and Linfield Properties, are working to ensure that the Weavers Court Blood Donation Day becomes a permanent fixture over the coming months.” concluded Angela.

Photograph Caption
Angela Canavan, Asidua COO and Gary Cassells, Linfield Properties Manager, wait to give blood at the recent Weavers Court Blood Donation Day. Hosted in the Weavers Court Business Park, Belfast the event was organised by Asidua and Linfield Properties in aid of the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service.

About Asidua
Asidua, who employ over 120 staff, is headquartered in Belfast and has offices in Dublin and Birmingham. The company delivers world-class software consultancy and services to clients across a broad spectrum of business sectors through two specialised divisions;

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide specialised WinPathTM Expert Services (WES) to the telecommunications market.

About The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service
The Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service is an independent, Special Agency of the Health and Personal Social Services. It is responsible for the collection, testing and distribution of over 62,000 blood donations each year. The Service operates three mobile units at around 240 locations throughout the province, including headquarters, located on the site of the Belfast City Hospital. A total of almost 1,000 donation sessions are held each year. Further information on the NIBTS can be found at www.nibts.org

Media Contact
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Limited, 10 Weavers Court Belfast
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5126
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: kieran.mitchell@asidua.com

Asidua Employees Take to the Skies

2010-07-09T09:46:42Z

For most people the very thought of jumping out of a plane at 13,000ft is terrifying enough, never mind a 7000ft freefall at a speed of 120miles p/hr! But that’s exactly what three Asidua employees did as they threw caution to the wind by completing a sponsored skydive to raise money for the NSPCC.

On June 19th Asidua employees Brent Kelly, Mellissa White and Paul Allan jumped out of a plane from a height of 13,000ft to raise some much needed funds for the Asidua’s Charity of the year, NSPCC.

The team completed their sky dive strapped to a qualified instructor at Movenis Airfield, Coleraine. Using a dual harness, they each exited the aircraft at 13,000ft attached to their instructor. They freefall at a speed of 120miles p/hr and then after 7000ft the instructor opened the canopy and steered them to the ground! Fellow Asidua employee Colin Campbell watched as the guys each free fell for approximately one mile before their parachute returned them safely to the ground.

Commenting on the day Paul said: “It took about 10 minutes for the plane to get to 13000 ft. This was the most nerve racking part, apart from actually sitting on the edge of the plane about to jump out. The freefall was exhilarating and strangely calm at the same time and once the parachute opened the feeling of relief was great. Between Mellissa, Brent and myself we raised £1000 for the NSPCC which I am quite proud of. The sun was shining and it was a brilliant day which made it even better. Doing the jump was a scary but amazing experience! I would definitely recommend it.”

Brent added “The Rush during the freefall was incredible but what I loved the most was the calm and tranquil descent. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I loved every second of it.”

The team have risen over £1000 in sponsorship money, thanks to a £150 donation from Asidua’s CSR Committee, generous donations made from Asidua employees and their friends and family. Mellissa ,speaking on behalf of the group commented, “We are so grateful to the CSR Committee and everyone at Asidua who has made donations and supported us in our challenge; it really is such a worthwhile cause” She also added “ I am so glad I took this challenge on and would jump at the chance to do it all over again!”

http://www.wintegra.com

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5126
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: kieran.mitchell@asidua.com

Asidua Organise Collection for NSPCC Clothing Appeal

2010-06-17T09:49:22Z

Throughout the year The NSPCC hold their clothing appeal to raise money for NSPCC ChildLine and helpline Services. As their ‘Charity of the Year’, Asidua, supported by Linfield Properties, extended the NSPCC clothing appeal to all the tenants within Weavers Court Business Park in the hope of raising even more funds for the NSPCC Child Voice Appeal.

Final collection for the clothing donation bags took place on the 16th June and Asidua were pleased to announce that they had collected 140kg of clothing for the charity, which has a monetary value of £70. Asidua would like to thank all those who donated their spare clothing and unwanted items to the NSPCC Clothing Appeal.

The donations made will help raise money to support NSPCC Child Voice Appeal which aims to improve NSPCC’s ChildLine and helpline Services.

Photograph Caption
CSR Members Irene Gates and Keith McGrellis with Linfield Properties Manager Gary help load up the clothing collection van with some of the donations for the NSPCC Clothing Appeal.

Asidua Directors take part in NSPCC Big Bike Ride Challenge

2010-06-08T09:47:53Z

On Sunday 6th Asidua Directors Steve Brankin and Gervais Henderson completed the Glens of Antrim Big Bike Ride to raise some much needed funds for the NSPCC Child’s Voice Appeal, which aims to ensure all cries for help from children and young people are answered.

The Cruise to Carnlough began at Larne leisure centre, where the Asidua team made the 30 mile journey through Carnfunnock Country Park to Ballygalley castle, from there they traveled to the village of Glenarm and finally to Carnlough, then they made the return jounrey back to the Larne Leisure centre.

Between them they have raised an impressive total of over £1,700. The bike ride is just the start of Asidua’s dedication to the NSPCC, their charity of the year, as there will be numerous events held throughout 2010. Thanks go to both Steve and Gervais for giving up their Sunday to raise funds for such a great cause.

Photograph Caption
Asidua Directors Steve Brankin and Gervais Henderson, take a breather during their recent NSPCC Big Bike Ride Challenge.

Asidua Help Give the NSPCC a Louder Voice

2010-06-07T10:00:17Z

[Belfast, Northern Ireland – 22nd June, 2010] Worldwide IT services company, Asidua, will be hoping to give the NSPCC a louder voice this year with their confirmation as Asidua’s Charity of the Year.

Asidua’s continued success has been built on a cornerstone of social and economic responsibility. To help underpin this belief the company has and continues to play an active role in supporting both local and national charities.

To enhance their on-going CSR commitment, Asidua has introduced a new initiative – The Asidua Charity of the Year. This new initiative sees Asidua engage and support a specific employee nominated charity each year.

During a recent launch event, held at Asidua’s head offices in Belfast, the NSPCC was formally announced as the Asidua Charity of the Year for 2010/2011. In addition to welcoming NSPCC as charity of the year Asidua used the launch to help outline the numerous initiates that they will be undertaking this year to support the NSPCC. A few highlights of this yearly fund raising calendar include the gruelling 23 mile ‘HACK Challenge’ in September and also the more relaxing ‘Stop for Tea’ day in October.

During the launch event, Asidua’s Chief Operations Officer, Angela Canavan commented on the importance of CSR for Asidua; “As an active member of Business in the Community (BitC), Asidua has always placed CSR at the heart of our business operations. We are therefore delighted to be able to increase our on-going CSR activities with the introduction of the Asidua Charity of the Year”. Angela continued; “The NSPCC plays a pivotal role in the protection and development of children across the UK. As such Asidua are delighted to be able to announce the NPSCC as our inaugural Asidua Charity of the Year. We are confident that the continued generosity and support from our employees will help give the NSPCC a louder voice in 2010 and beyond.”

Commenting on the adoption, Ellen Hillen, NSPCC Corporate Fundraising Executive, said: “It is exciting to be taken on as charity of the year by such an enthusiastic company, and we hope that Asidua employees will enjoy taking part in the year of fundraising activities and events that they have planned. The funds raised by Asidua will help NSPCC to ensure, through ChildLine and the NSPCC helpline, that the most vulnerable children and young people in our society will have the help they need.”

Photograph Caption
Ellen Hillen, NSPCC Corporate Fundraising Executive (far left), Irene Gates, from Asidua’s CSR Committee (centre left), Leona McEvoy, NSPCC Corporate Fundraising Manager (centre right) and Angela Canavan, Asidua COO (far right) join voices to help announce the NSPCC as Asidua’s Charity of the Year.

NOTES TO EDITOR

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide specialised WinPath^TM Expert Services (WES) to the telecommunications market.

About NSPCC Child Voice Appeal
The NSPCC‘s vision is to end cruelty to children in the UK. Inspired by this belief they launched the Child’s Voice Appeal in September 2008. The aim of the appeal is to raise £50 million to sustain and grow their helpline services, ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline. More information can be obtained from
www.nspcc.org.uk

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Limited, 10 Weavers Court Belfast
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5126
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: kieran.mitchell@asidua.com

Katherine Fox
Communications Officer
NSPCC Northern Ireland
Tel: +44 (0) 870 336 2945
Email: kfox@nspcc.org.uk

Asidua and Mencap Hope to Jump £40k Hurdle

2010-05-27T10:53:26Z

[Belfast, Northern Ireland – 27th May, 2010] For the sixth consecutive year, renowned worldwide data and integration specialists, Asidua is once again proud to announce their continued sponsorship of the annual Mencap Charity Race Day.

Now entering its eleventh year, the Mencap Race Day event is now firmly recognised as the flagship fundraising event for the leading learning disability charity. This year Asidua, proud sponsors of the event since 2005, and Mencap will hope to surpass the impressive fund raising total of £40,000 which was raised during last year’s event.

The prestigious surroundings of the Down Royal racecourse will once again play host to the charity race event which takes place on Friday the 18th of June. With a number of high profile jockeys and horses confirmed, this year’s race day features the impressive Galway Plate Trail. The Mencap Race Day kick starts the anticipated summer festival of UK & Irish racing at one of Ireland’s famous racing locations.

Race goers at the Down Royal will enjoy an afternoon of racing, fine dining and live entertainment from ‘The Dukes’ as well as all the excitement that UK & Irish racing offers. Celebrity guest compere, the glamorous Pamela Ballentine will also be judging the best dressed lady and gent competitions. While the ever popular charity auction will be making a welcome return, with this year’s proceedings falling under the watchful hammer of Wilsons Auctions.

Commenting on Asidua’s continued sponsorship of the Mencap Race Day, Bob McClean, Sales and Marketing Director at Asidua said; “As a company highly active in CSR, Asidua have been proud sponsors of the Mencap Race Day since 2005. It is therefore with great pleasure that we are able to announce our continuing sponsorship of this year’s Mencap Race Day.” Bob continued; “Building on the outstanding success of last year’s fund raising activities, Asidua hope that the continued generosity of fellow race goers help ensure we hurdle last year’s total to once again support Mencap’s invaluable services throughout Northern Ireland.”

Suzy McIlveen, Regional Fundraising Manager at Mencap, added, “The annual Mencap Race Day is the jewel in our fundraising crown. It generates vital funds for Mencap Northern Ireland, whilst creating a sporting and social occasion that brings together corporate associates, industry peers and friends. Suzy concluded; “Mencap are delighted that Asidua have been able to continue with the ongoing sponsorship of the Mencap Race Day. As such, we would like to once again thank them for their generosity in continuing to help make our flagship fundraising event a success.”

Photograph Caption
Roisin Craig, Event Manager Mencap and Bob McClean, Sales and Marketing Director Asidua, announce Mencap’s annual flagship fundraiser - The Asidua sponsored Mencap Race Day event - which takes place at the Down Royal Racecourse on Friday 18th June 2010.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Asidua
Asidua, who employ over 120 staff, is headquartered in Belfast and has offices in Dublin and Birmingham. The company delivers world-class software consultancy and services to clients across a broad spectrum of business sectors through two specialised divisions;

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide specialised WinPath^TM Expert Services (WES) to the telecommunications market.

About Mencap
Mencap is the voice of learning disability. Everything we do is about valuing and supporting people with a learning disability, and their families and carers. Mencap work in partnership with people with a learning disability, and all their services support people to live life as they choose. Further information on Mencap can be found at www.mencap.org.uk

Media Contact
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Limited, 10 Weavers Court Belfast
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5126
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: kieran.mitchell@asidua.com

Asidua Continue Investment in Local Talent

2010-02-24T10:48:29Z

[Belfast, Northern Ireland, February 24th, 2010] Belfast based IT integration specialists, Asidua, today continued their investment in Northern Ireland’s young talent, with the confirmation of three new scholars who join their prestigious scholarship programme.

Launched in 2008, in co-operation with both Queens University and the University of Ulster, the Asidua Scholarship Programme aims to attract fresh talent into the IT sector and to also support new IT and engineering students, both professionally and financially, during their academic studies.

During a recent award ceremony, held at Asidua’s head offices in Belfast, the Asidua Scholarship Programme was awarded to three new local IT students, Barry Haughey & Matthew Wilson (Queen’s University of Belfast) and Dinuka Wijesinghe (University of Ulster). During the gala event, Barry, Matthew and Dinuka, who join current Asidua scholars Sean Carlin, Niall McAllister & Andrew Ruddell, were congratulated on their achievements and were formally welcomed to Asidua by its management team.

“Asidua is delighted to welcome Barry, Matthew and Dinuka in joining the expanding Asidua Scholarship Programme.” said Angela Canavan, Asidua Chief Operations Officer. “Despite the downturn in the economy, Asidua is once again proud to continue its investment in the future of Northern Ireland with the extension of its Scholarship Programme.” Angela continued; “The Asidua Scholarship Programme gives students like Barry, Matthew and Dinuka a helping hand, both professionally and financially, throughout their university courses and provides them with the best possible chance of achieving their full potential.”

Representatives from both Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Ulster, who were also in attendance, extended their congratulations to the 2009/2010 scholarship winners. “Queen’s warmly congratulates both Matthew and Barry on their receipt of a prestigious Asidua scholarship.” said Dr Philip Hanna, Assistant Director of Education for the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Queen’s University Belfast. “The dynamic and progressive ethos within Asidua will, without doubt, enable our students to develop and foster skills of great benefit to their respective degrees”. Phillip continued; “We would also like to thank Asidua for offering these scholarships, investing in the future, and providing three lucky students with an outstanding opportunity for growth and development.”

In addition to welcoming Dinuka’s award, Dr Paul Hanna, Head of School of Computing & Mathematics, University of Ulster went on to say; “The Asidua Scholarship Programme allows students to place their academic study in an industrial context, allowing them to have some of the benefits of their third year placement from the outset of their studies.”

When asked for comment on their recent award, all three scholars were visibly delighted. Dinuka Wijesinghe from the University of Ulster said; “I am really proud to be one of the recipients of the Asidua scholarship. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain knowledge in a real working environment.” A view which was shared by fellow scholarship winner Barry Haughey from Queen’s University Belfast; “The Asidua Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity, for which I am very grateful. I’m really looking forward to beginning my work experience with Asidua this summer.” Fellow Queen’s University Belfast scholarship winner, Matthew Wilson also agreed; “The Asidua scholarship is a brilliant opportunity and has encouraged me to work harder at developing my IT skills.”

The scholar’s outstanding achievements were also shared by family members and friends, who were in attendance at the recent award ceremony. “I was very impressed with the warm relationship that exists between the management and employees I have met from Asidua, it certainly gives the impression of a ‘family’ environment” said Ian Wilson, father of scholarship winner Matthew. “I am delighted that my son has been given an opportunity to be involved with this prestigious organisation.” he continued.

Mark Laverty, Dinuka’s sponsor, was also delighted; “I was honoured to be invited to the presentation of the Asidua Scholarship. I enjoyed the presentation and learning about Asidua and the type of work it does.” Mark concluded; “Their scholarship programme is a terrific opportunity for students to gain practical work experience and work alongside a mentor from Asidua.”

The new Asidua Scholars, who have since returned to university to complete the first year of their studies, will commence their work placements with Asidua this summer. During this time, Barry, Matthew and Dinuka, along with the current Asidua scholars, will once again be welcomed back into the Asidua ‘family’.

Photograph Caption
Angela Canavan, Asidua COO (left centre), presents the Asidua Scholarship award to Dinuka Wijesinghe, University of Ulster (left), Barry Haughey, Queens University Belfast (centre right) and Matthew Wilson, Queens University Belfast (right) during the recent award ceremony held at Asidua’s Belfast offices.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide specialised WinPath^TM Expert Services (WES) to the telecommunications market.

About Asidua Scholarship Programme
The Asidua Scholarship Scheme, launched in co-operation with both Queens University and the University of Ulster, aims to attract fresh talent into the IT sector and to also support new IT and engineering students financially during their academic studies and beyond. The scheme will see several successful students from both universities each receiving a scholarship package worth up to £25,000.

Further information on the Asidua Scholarship programme can be found at http://www.asidua.com/portal/careers/our-scholarships

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Limited, 10 Weavers Court Belfast BT12 5GH
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5126
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: kieran.mitchell@asidua.com

Asidua Onboard with OYTI

2010-02-05T09:52:22Z

6 Asidua employees spent some time aboard ‘The Lord Rank’ – a boat owned by Ocean Youth Trust Ireland (OYTI) as they volunteered to work on the boat for the day.

OYTI is dedicated to providing the young people of Ireland, from all walks of life and backgrounds, the opportunity to participate in the unique experience that is Sail Training – opening up a world of adventure, teamwork, responsibility, learning, self-confidence and fun. OYTI’s ethos is to “empower and support young people to succeed.” Asidua have close ties with OYTI, through CEO Steve Brankin’s involvement as Honorary Chair of the Belfast Branch.

Two 3 person teams of Asidua employees spent half a day each (morning and afternoon) working with the Lord Rank’s Skipper and First Mate, stripping down and sanding the walls and bunks of the ‘saloon’ area of the boat, which is the main living area inside the boat where up to 20 people eat and sleep, and the ‘galley’, where meals are cooked.

‘Team A’ consisted of Sophie Gaw, Paul Matthews and Kieran Mitchell, while ‘Team B’ consisted of Johnny Wylie, Paul Allan and Darren Borland.

Photograph Caption
Emersen (Skipper on the Lord Rank), Johnny Wylie, Darren Borland, Paul Allan, Irene Gates, Sophie Gaw, Kieran Mitchell and Paul Matthews on board the ‘The Lord Rank’.

Asidua Support Disability Action

2010-01-20T10:03:30Z

Asidua’s CSR and Sports and Social Committees were delighted recently to hand over a grand total of £1,000 to Asidua’s Charity of the Year, Disability Action. After raising an impressive total of £472.55 from the Christmas raffle, £527.45 was allocated from the CSR fund which resulted in a fantastic overall donation of £1,000. Speaking on behalf of Disability Action, Clare Sheeran said “on behalf of everyone at Disability Action, I would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone at Asidua who took part in the fundraising and helped to raise these vital funds for Disability Action”.

Photograph Caption
Asidua CSR Members Sophie Gaw, Johnny Wylie, Clare Sheeran (Disability Action), Angela Canavan, Darren Borland, Irene Gates and Keith McGrellis.

Successful start to 2010 for Asidua with global contract win

2010-01-15T10:48:45Z

[Belfast, Northern Ireland, January 15th, 2010] Worldwide telecom and data integration specialists Asidua, continued their ongoing development by today announcing the award of a new global business win.

Representing a global first for Asidua, this important win in 2010 will see the worldwide embedded telecoms provider engage with a major Tier 1 telecommunications company.

Drawing on their specialised WinPath Expert Services (WES) capabilities, Asidua will engage with the global Tier 1 telecommunications provider, throughout a 5 month period, to develop one of the first WinPath3 based systems from the worldwide leading provider of access processing semiconductor, Wintegra.

Launched in December 2009, Wintegra’s new WinPath3 systems offers performance 5 times that of the previous generation of Wintegra processors and provides the foundation for market leading products in Wireless Base Stations, Mobile Backhaul including IP and microwave, and broadband access.

Head of Device Services at Asidua, Eddie Millsopp commented; “This new contract underpins Asidua’s approach of developing expert and highly competitive services to compliment the Wintegra Winpath ® processor range.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Asidua
Asidua is endorsed by Wintegra as preferred supplier for providing a complete portfolio of services focused on the WinPath^TM product family. Asidua’s WinPath^TM Expert Services (WES) help clients achieve their goals of Time to Market, Right First Time and Product Differentiation by delivering solutions across domains including Systems Engineering, Software Services and Board Bring-up. From their headquarters in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Asidua teams have successfully delivered solutions for a wide range of equipment suppliers including Tier 1s & 2s from across the globe.

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5126
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: kieran.mitchell@asidua.com

Contract win in 2010 for Asidua points towards growth

2010-01-13T10:41:59Z

[Belfast, Northern Ireland, January 13th, 2010] Application & Data integration specialists Asidua, announce a business win which sees further adoption of their ADI services and solutions.

The first business win of 2010 will see the SOA and application & data interaction specialists continue to extend their already successful engagement with a major Northern Ireland utility company, with this new collaboration set to carry on well into 2010.

Asidua will provide their Application & Data Integration (ADI) methodologies and skill sets to enable this major client to improve the quality of their core business data across a wide range of systems. The ADI solution, once in place, will allow the customer to be assured of the integrity of their data and also thus enhance their reporting and management capability.

Commenting on the win, Sales and Marketing Director at Asidua, Bob McClean said; “This is a significant piece of business for Asidua, and is especially satisfying as it builds on existing work and relationships with a major customer.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Asidua
Asidua, which employs some 100 staff is headquartered in Belfast and has offices in Dublin and Birmingham. The company specialises in business innovation and transformation through process automation and support for the implementation of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), which it delivers using its Application and Data Integration (ADI) portfolio.

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5126
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: kieran.mitchell@asidua.com

Asidua Formally Recognised as Investor in People by Sir Reg Empey

2009-12-01T10:05:58Z

Belfast, Northern Ireland, December 1st 2009 - Worldwide integration and embedded telecoms specialists Asidua, have been formally recognised by Sir Reg Empey for their continued commitment to employee development with the award of the coveted Investors in People (IiP) standard.

Investors in People, which has long been acknowledged as the most successful framework for business improvement through people, helps organisations compete and succeed through improved people performance. Asidua, who achieved the Investors in People standard on first assessment, were recognised by the Investors in People adjudication panel for the significant role they have made in the continuous development of their employees.

During the Gala awards ceremony, which was held at Hillsborough Castle on November 25 2009, Sir Reg Empey, Northern Ireland Minister for Employment and Learning, used his address to urge those in attendance to follow the lead of Asidua and others and invest in the skills of their employees; “Now is the time to invest in people” Sir Reg said. “Experience has shown that companies that invest in the development of their people during times of economic downturn are in the strongest position to gain competitive advantage in recovery. It is those companies that have that all important edge. In fact, research shows that companies that invest in the skills of their staff are two and half times more likely to survive.”

Sir Reg continued by highlighting the importance of the Investors in People (IiP) programme for Northern Ireland companies; “In a rapidly changing economy it is often easy to forget that businesses realise their ambitions through their people. The importance of local businesses investing in their people is now more relevant than ever, given the downturn we now find ourselves in. The uptake of IiP by businesses in Northern Ireland is extremely encouraging for the local economy, and should serve as an example of the bottom-line business benefits of IiP to all other employers.”

Paul Bryans, Investors in People NI Centre Manager, went on to extend his congratulations to Asidua; “I congratulate Asidua on its Investors in People recognition, proof of its commitment to ensuring the highest possible business standards. I acknowledge that Investors in People recognition is hard earned and am pleased that Asidua’s efforts have now been rewarded. Everyone at Asidua should be proud of this achievement.”

Welcoming the award, Angela Canavan, Asidua, Chief Operations Officer said, “On behalf of everyone in Asidua, I am delighted to accept the Investors in People award.” Angela continued “as a worldwide IT services provider, Asidua has always recognised that the development of our employees is intertwined with our continued success. As such, we have implemented a number of successful policies and strategies to ensure that all our employees work in an environment where they are able to reach their full potential. Asidua’s cohesive working group ACE (Asidua Communication for Employees) collectively introduce new initiatives and review existing approaches within the organisation. This allows Asidua to gain a very good understanding of the needs of the employees, helping to shape the culture of the organisation going forward.” Angela concluded “I am confident that our new Investors in People standard, together with our recent Employer of Choice re-accreditation, will help drive Asidua forward and ensure the continual development of our employees.”

Photograph Caption
Sir Reg Empey, Northern Ireland Employment Minister (centre) presents Steve Brankin, Asidua CEO (left) and Angela Canavan, Asidua COO (right) with their Investors in People (IiP) award during the recent award ceremony which was held at Hillsborough Castle.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide specialised WinPath^TM Expert Services (WES) to the telecommunications market.

About Investors in People
Investors in People (IiP) is a business improvement tool that helps organisations to compete and succeed through improved people performance. The framework is designed to help organisations develop the knowledge and skills of their people so that what they can do is what the business needs them to do. Over 1,500 small, medium and large organisations from all sectors and sizes of business in Northern Ireland are currently using Investors in People to transform their businesses. Further information on Investors in People is available from www.investorsinpeople.co.uk

Media Contacts
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Limited, 10 Weavers Court Belfast BT12 5GH
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5126
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: kieran.mitchell@asidua.com

Press Office
Department for Employment and Learning
Adelaide House, 39-49 Adelaide Street, Belfast BT2 8FD
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9025 7872
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9025 7592

Asidua Re-Confirmed as Employer of Choice

2009-10-27T10:07:15Z

Belfast, Northern Ireland, October 26th, 2009 - Belfast based telecom and integration specialists Asidua, recently joined an elite band of Northern Ireland companies, with their unique re-accreditation as Employer of Choice.

During the Awards ceremony, which was held at the Ulster Hall, Belfast on October 15, 2009, Asidua were highlighted by the award panel for their best practice approaches in “Vision and Culture”, “People Values”, “Leadership”, “Customer Values” & “Monitoring”. In doing so, the company achieved the unique accomplishment of retaining their Employer of Choice accreditation.

In addition to their unique re-accreditation, Asidua were asked by the organisers to present their Employer of Choice journey for those in attendance. Their journey helped to not only highlight their best practice approach but it also helped demonstrate how their cohesive working group (ACE – Asidua Communication for Employees) has helped to shape the culture of Asidua.

Time was also taken by the organisers during the ceremony to help increase the awareness of the Employer of Choice programme, as currently only 104 companies are accredited as Employer of Choice.

Commenting on Asidua’s special recognition, Martin Magennis of TIME Associates (Employer of Choice programme organisers) said; “When the programme was first designed it aimed to help employees and employers communicate better in order to improve work life balance and stress. It has developed over the years and now also takes in issues such as diversity, debt management, absenteeism and drug related problems in the workplace.”

Martin continued; “We were really impressed by the way Asidua used high-tech ways to improve communication with its staff. Their clever use of an anonymous online suggestion forum as well as getting news to employees through an informal blog, meant that they were communicating clearly and quickly with staff.”

Angela Canavan, Asidua Chief Operations Officer, commented on the company’s unique achievement; “In addition to our recent University of Ulster Placement Employer of the Year, the re-accreditation of The Employer of Choice is a fantastic achievement for Asidua as it helps highlight our continued commitment to our employees.” Angela continued; “This year’s remit for the Employer of Choice had been extended beyond work-life balance to include Diversity in the Workplace and this was the first time any employer had gone through the re-accreditation process.”

Photograph Caption
Asidua COO Angela Canavan (centre) receives the Employer of Choice award from Denise Cranston, Denise Cranston Consulting, (left) & Martin Magennis, Time Ireland (right) during the recent award ceremony at the Ulster Hall, Belfast.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Business Services - provide Application & Data Integration (ADI) services to large enterprises and public sector organisations.
Device Services - provide specialised WinPath^TM Expert Services (WES) to the telecommunications market.

About The Employer of Choice
The Employer of Choice programme was started in 2000 and in the past nine years, 104 organisations have participated representing 3,483 staff. The Employer of Choice programme is a positive, inclusive approach in helping companies to achieve a work-life balance in the workplace. Employers are challenged to identify, within their own workplace, how both parties can benefit from a new approach to working practices – one that will enable employees to maintain a better balance between their working and home lives, and at the same time, works within the parameters of the organisation. The Employer of Choice programme was funded through the Department for Employment and Learning and the three special awards are being supported by Invest NI, Action Mental Health and Business in the Community (BitC). Further information on the Employer of Choice can be found at www.employerofchoice.org.uk

Media Contact
Kieran Mitchell
Marketing Manager
Asidua Limited, 10 Weavers Court Belfast
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9072 5126
Fax: +44 (0) 28 9072 5001
Email: kieran.mitchell@asidua.com