ustwo
ustwo™ is a Tech City-based user interface and user experience design studio, developing operating systems and applications for the world’s leading brands.
Business Development Director Jules Ehrhardt says: “We initially came to Tech City because of its reputation for creativity and the affordable office space that it offered at the time. We were also attracted by London’s reputation as the number-one spot for IT companies in Europe; there’s such a rich pool of talent, especially developers. The first-class infrastructure was another draw.”
ustwo has taken advantage of the many networking opportunities offered by Tech City.
“Tech City is a very dense community of entrepreneurs and tech companies,” says Ehrhardt. “There are always opportunities to collaborate, sometimes just by virtue of socialising, drinking and hanging out in the same area.
“Being in Tech City is also very convenient in terms of trying to meet our many global clients. The area has excellent transport links.”
Ehrhardt is enthusiastic about the support that is on offer to help companies become successful in Tech City.
“There are all kinds of support networks available,” he states. “UK universities are always interested in collaborating with Tech City companies, while help is also at hand from the Government and the growing technology-focused venture capital (VC) community in the area.”
Summing up Tech City’s attractions, Ehrhardt concludes: “Tech City is a great place in which to live, work and play. You can pretty much do everything here – it’s vibrant, multi-cultural and cool.”
Buongiorno
Italy’s Buongiorno, a leading multinational provider of services and solutions for the mobile-connected life, recently announced its plans to expand their existing facility in Tech City.
The Milan-headquartered company’s UK arm, based in Shoreditch, already employs 85 people and is looking to increase this by more than 50 per cent by the end of 2011.
UKTI has a long association with Buongiorno. CEO Andrea Casalini said: “Buongiorno UK moved to Shoreditch over two years ago, as we believed in the potential of the area – at the heart of what’s new, exciting and growing when it comes to digital media.
“We intend to make this office our hub of global innovation and new business, as we really see the growth potential of our business in London, and specifically Shoreditch, because research and development is paramount to our offering.”
