The United Kingdom Information Technology Association (UKITA) was launched on 21st June 2006 at RAF Cosford (Shropshire).

Bob Boyd, the Chief Executive of the organisation addressed an audience of 150, representing small and medium sized IT companies and stakeholders from universities and public development groups, with a simple message.  “We are here to help our members grow!”

UKITA has a national remit to pull together public and private sector resources to support its membership with access to funding, training programmes, creation of business opportunities and the development of business networks to share new ideas and create partnerships.

The organisation builds on the success of initiatives in the East andWest Midlandsand already has over 300 members.  UKITA is already in discussion with partners to grow the national network on a region-by-region basis.  It has engaged with a number of other organisations to both develop new services and make the voice of IT SMEs heard at senior levels in both the public and private sector.

Bob Boyd was delighted to formally announce the establishment of a formal channel partnership with database giants Oracle.  “Our members now have a clearly defined way of accessing product and service capability from a global leader in technology.  And Oracle has a single route to a market that it sees as a major growth area.  It’s a win win situation. ”.

The launch event included presentations to raise awareness of the WEEE (Waste Electronic & Electrical Equipment) directive, RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) The relevance of the WEEE directive, and it’s significance to the millions of pounds worth of IT Infrastructure, which would be brought to Cosfordwas emphasised in a rousing speech for the ‘Let’s Fly Cosford’ Campaign, from Mike Cheadle, of AWM. (AdvantageWest Midlands)

Qualifying IT companies and potential partners from the public and private sector should check out the UKITA website at www.ukita.co.uk or contact a member of UKITA’s operational team on 0121 506 9320.