Xtreme Wins Prestigious Award from Deloitte
Xtreme Takes 25th Place in Deloitte 2008 Top 50
The 2008 Deloitte Fast 50 results bear testament to the vibrancy of the UK technology sector, even in challenging market conditions. Overall growth rates have in fact increased in the last 12 months - the average growth rate of the 2008 Fast 50 was 2161 per cent, up from (2318 per cent). Last year’s winner would have been ranked third this year. The average revenue figures for the 2008 Deloitte Fast 50 are £17.3m.
David Halstead, Partner TMT practice and Fast 50 Chairman, Deloitte said: “The 2008 Deloitte Fast 50 provides a fascinating view of the evolving structure of the UK's tech sector, with software and internet businesses making up the bulk of the fastest growing companies. While their products and services are at the extreme cutting edge of global technology, it is important to note that it is not just technology that makes these companies leaders in their sectors – it is about the quality of the people and their Intellectual Property that makes these businesses the success stories they are.”
To qualify for the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 award, companies must have met stringent criteria: to have been in business for over five years, be UK-owned, to have operating revenues of at least £34,000, to own proprietary technology or proprietary intellectual property that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenues; or to devote a significant proportion of revenues to the research and development of technology.
One of the key unifying themes identified by the 2008 Deloitte Fast 50 winners was recruitment. For companies such as picoChip, simply locating the specialist silicon architectural talent in a global market is the central ongoing challenge for the business. Others such as Xtreme face a similar more localised issue – internationally accredited cable engineers are rare in Aberdeen. Managing the operational issues raised by such fast growth was also a key concern among the winners, with key importance attached to increasingly onerous compliance requirements. Xtreme were particularly concerned by staffing issues: “my worst nightmare is accepting business, and then finding I can’t fulfil it” said the CEO.
Xtreme Gains ISO 9001 Accreditation
After many months of hard work refining and improving our internal systems and procedures, Xtreme is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the ISO 9001 Accreditation.
Not only has this been an invaluable task for our own purposes but it will also help us to improve the levels of service we give to our customers. Cameron Murray, Operations Director commented that "With this certification we can now bid for contracts with organisations that demand their suppliers have a recognised quality assurance system in place." "In adition the discipline which ISO 9001 brings to any organisation will help us to operate in a more structured and professional manner."
ISO 9001 is recognised the world over as a measured standard for any company that works in a strcutured way to provide the highest levels of service and support to its clients. Something which Xtreme has prided itself on since its inception but which is now officially recognised.
Xtreme Travels Offshore with Baker Hughes
Xtreme’s Fibre Division, led by Senior Engineer John Fraser recently undertook a project in Gabon, Central West Africa to carry out a fibre installation at Baker Hughes facility in Port Gentil. The offshore oil industry is an important part of Gabon’s economy and many of the world’s leading oil companies have offices there. The Baker Hughes facility houses approximately 50 people and the fibre link between the INTEQ office and the main administration building is a vital link in the IT infrastructure.
Xtreme’s brief was to liaise with NST Operations, to check the status of all Cisco switches and cables, to deploy a new Fibre LAN Extension, to run all data cables from the cabinet within the INTEQ office to the new test areas within the warehouse. The week prior to Xtreme’s engineers arriving there was a very bad storm with the roof to the new unit had been damage, along with the sliding shutter door. It was found to be a damaged cable between two Cisco switches, which was also replaced by our engineers.
We then had to install new network equipment, switches (INTEQ/BOT) and start service interruption, swap existing switch for Fibre-Interface version, configure and test all network equipment, end Service Interruption, connect and test Fibre patching. XBS then ran the Fibre from the new workshop to the Baker Hughes main server room – this fibre was around 150m and was run along the external cable ways of the existing building then terminated using SC pre-terminated terminations.
Following all testing, Xtreme certified all data points before providing Project Closure Documentation to BSS followed by the Certification to BSS Installation. When the job was finally finished the Xtreme’s engineers managed to relax in the sunshine!
Xtreme Wins CNR Cabling Contract
Xtreme is pleased to announce that among the many contracts recently awarded to us, is one from Canadian Natural Resources (CNR) in Aberdeen.
CNR International is a major international oil and natural gas exploration, development and production company, headquartered in Canada. CNR’s operations are focused in Western Canada, the North Sea and Offshore West Africa. CNR's growth has been based on the fundamental principles of effective cost control, proactive management and a defined operating strategy.
This strategy follows a balanced approach to exploration and acquisitions, combined with an emphasis on cost-effective management.
Adhering to this strategy has resulted in CNR building a strong asset base capable of balanced production of both natural gas and heavy and light oil. Following a competitive bid situation Xtreme was awarded a contract by CNR, based on our total offering and costs effective solution. Xtreme’s contract involved the re-cabling of CNR’s additional office space at St Magnus House, Aberdeen together with the installation and certification of 160 data points.
Two Medical Practices Choose XBS Telecoms
Two of Scotland’s leading Medical Practices have contracted Xtreme’s Telecoms Division to design, specify and install state-of-the-art telephone systems in their premises to ensure vital communication links are maintained with patients, doctors and other critical institutions. Stanley Medical Practice and Alyth Medical Centre chose XBS based on our proposal and the proven reliability of the Avaya solution. In both cases, Xtreme specified an Avaya solution based on our experience of this world class manufacturer.
Avaya is one of the world’s leading telephony manufacturers and as such Xtreme is confident that when an Avaya system is installed it will be both reliable and robust. In mission critical situations the Avaya solution has a well proven track record with literally thousands of installations carried out across the world. Xtreme’s telecoms division has chosen to offer two telephony solutions, one based on Avaya the other based on Cisco, however we are also able to offer solutions from alternative hardware manufacturers.
Opito - The Oil and Gas Academy
OPITO – The Oil & Gas Academy is an industry funded, employer-led organisation committed to developing the oil and gas industry’s workforce capability now and in the future. The Industry’s Academy has been established to work with employers to identify and agree action on workforce issues, provide an effective link between the industry and those who can provide the best learning and training across the UK and partner with any organisation where joint action would add value to its purpose of building and sustaining the supply of relevantly qualified people into the oil and gas sector.
The Academy supports the development of a workforce with appropriate and relevant skills to meet current needs as well as to take advantage of future opportunities. At the beginning of 2008, Opito decided to expand their existing building to accommodate their growth plans. Once they began to plan this expansion they quickly realised that they would need to move out of their building in Portlethen whilst the builders moved in. As an integral part of the team, Xtreme was contracted to handle the IT elements of this major expansion project. Initially Xtreme carried out a detailed Technical Audit of the existing infrastructure - from this XBS drew up a plan of action to cover the move.
XBS handled the relocation of all IT hardware and systems from Portlethen to Opito’s temporary home in the Altec Centre at Altens, across a weekend to ensure minimal disruption to the company’s business. Having cabled the new offices and specified the comms room design the move went smoothly. At the beginning of November Xtreme will relocate Opito back to its prestigious new offices in Portlethen.
Xtreme in the Union Plaza
Union Plaza, Aberdeen, is one of the most prestigious new developments in the City in recent years. Naturally when the AGR Group elected to move into the 3rd floor they chose Xtreme Business Solutions to cable their new offices. The AGR Group is a leading provider of essential services and technologies to the international petroleum industry - operating from three divisions: Petroleum Services, Drilling Services and Field Operations. As a European-based group, they have also established two geographical hubs to carry their business forward in these important regions: Asia Pacific and the Americas.
Xtreme’s recommendation was to design the solution based on CAT6 structured cable to offer a future proofed solution. Xtreme’s RCDD Registered MD, Graeme Duncan commented “The decision to use CAT6 cable was made following extensive consultation with the client’s own IT personnel”
“Working in this brand new building was a delight for the Xtreme engineers, often having to work in old and difficult buildings, and also helped speed up the project plan.” Xtreme completed the job in less than 4 weeks, much to the clients pleasure. CAT6 cable is more difficult and time consuming to terminate however with Xtreme’s engineers being regularly trained in the latest technologies it was not a problem.
Sodexo Relocates in Aberdeen
When Sodexo decided to relocate its Aberdeen office to a prestigious building opposite the harbour, they chose Xtreme to supply and install their new phone system. Graeme Cumming, Xtreme’s Telecom Manager, specified an Avaya IP Office 500 solution based on the clients VOIP & SIP Trunking requirements.
In addition the client needed to take their existing main number and direct dial numbers with them and due to the geographical location of the new office Xtreme had to install a SIP Trunking solution with a VOIP gateway. This solution means that Sodexo have now got a resilient and flexible telecoms platform that future proofs there investment.
For more than 30 years, Sodexo Remote Sites has supplied a full range of services for people working and living in challenging conditions on its clients' onshore and offshore sites around the world. Sodexo Remote Sites offers a range of services which support their remote projects over their complete lifecycle: provision of turnkey camps, integrated hospitality offer (food services, laundry, housekeeping, etc.), as well as the management of a broad range of support services such as facilities maintenance, vehicle fleet management, logistics, security, etc.
In addition to the phone system Xtreme was responsible for installing a fully structured cabling solution the new offices in Exchange Tower as well as relocating two video conferencing systems to the new offices.
Xtreme Stays Overnight at New Aberdeen Hotel
Xtreme’s Aberdeen office was recently contracted to handle a prestigious new development project in the City, as part of a major hotel re-construction. The Malmaison Group, winners of the Best UK Hotel Chain Award, covers the UK, with Aberdeen being their newest acquisition and Xtreme was brought in to design and install the infrastructure for the entire building.
XBS was required to install over 25,000 metres of CAT5e cable to ensure that every room was connected to the phone system as well as the internet, together with some 400 outlets. The structured cabling design also had to support Voice Over IP (VoIP), IP CCTV, Data, Door Access Controls, Wi Fi Access Points, the Retail POS system and the overall Plant Management system.
Johnstons of Elgin Elect for Blown Fibre Network Infrastructure
Established in 1797, Johnstons of Elgin specialises in the manufacture of cashmere and luxury fibres. Today, the company offers seasonal collections of knitwear, accessories, home furnishings, fine fabrics and tweeds to top designers, quality retailers and customers around the world. Johnston’s mills pioneered the weaving of cashmere and vicuna in Scotland in 1851 and have been processing luxury fibres since that period. The flagship mill at Elgin is the only mill in Britain to transform cashmere from raw fibre to finished article.
Cashmere is worn both by climbers attempting Everest as well as those scaling the heights of luxury fashion. You will find Johnstons designer collections in some of the world's most famous outlets from London to Tokyo. 'Only the best is good enough' has been Johnston’s motto from the beginning and to feel a piece of Johnston’s cashmere is to know that the phrase still holds true today. It was therefore a natural choice to use Xtreme Business Solutions when Johnstons decided to renew their entire IT network infrastructure with Fibre Optic.
Utilising a relatively unique method known as Blown Fibre, Xtreme was able to install over 1450 metres of fibre across the sprawling site at Elgin, linking almost 14 separate buildings. As part of an overall upgrade to their IT facility Johnstons decided to move their entire comms room to a first floor location to reduce the risk of flooding as the river runs beneath their factories. Again Xtreme was chosen to work with their own IT staff to design and equip the new comms room with racks, fibre termination and gigabit switches.
SP Darker Chooses Xtreme IT Solution
SP Darker, one of North East Scotlands largest suppliers and installers of Security Solutions continues it’s expansion by moving to additional offices in Albert Street in the heart of Aberdeen. SP Darker contracted Xtreme to handle the design and installation of a complete IT solution, including a new Server running Terminal Services between their head office and their technical offices on the other side of Aberdeen.
As an integral part of the expansion Xtreme also installed a new Avaya Telephone System running Voice over the Internet (VoIP). This not only provides free calls between the two offices but also reduced call costs overall. Avaya IP Office telephone systems have a full range of communications tools that have been integrated into this cost effective platform. Remote LAN access, computer telephony integration, customer relationship management, high-speed internet access and voicemail are just a few of the communications needs of the small to medium enterprise delivered by Avaya's IP Office family.
Quartermile One, Edinburgh
Maclay Murray & Spens is a full service, independent, commercial legal firm offering legal solutions and advice to clients throughout the UK and beyond.
In mid December 2007 MMS moved into a new prestigious office suite in Edinburgh - the iconic development by Foster + Partners, at Quartermile One. Located in the grounds of the old Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and close to both main Edinburgh train stations, the new client facilities and meeting rooms are outstanding. This development will also enable their dedicated team of 200 to work even more effectively.
Xtreme supplied and installed 1500 Augmented Cat6 outlets within MMS new offices in Quartermile One. The works were awarded by Balfour Kilpatrick who installed the electrical services. The cabling was a Siemon solution, installed over three floors with interlinks of both copper and fibre, together with server cabinets and associated technologies. In total Xtreme installed some 60,000m of cable throughout the office complex.
The Macaulay Institute, Aberdeen
The Macaulay Institute is the UK's premier land usage research centre. Founded in 1930, the Macaulay Institute is an international centre for research and consultancy on the environmental and social consequences of rural land uses. Interdisciplinary research across the environmental and social sciences aims to support the protection of natural resources, the creation of integrated land use systems and the development of sustainable rural communities.
With an annual income in excess of £11million, the Macaulay Institute is the largest interdisciplinary research organisation of its kind in Europe.
It is one of the main research providers to the Scottish Government with its 300 staff drawn from over 25 countries, conducting research in Scotland, across Europe and internationally.
As part of their network upgrade during 2007/2008 they have contracted XBS to install a Blown Fibre Optic link between the main office building and the Cunningham Building as part of their on-going disaster recovery programme. XBS has managed this project working closely with the Institute’s IT staff and as part of the on-going upgrades XBS also managed the third party groundworks contractors who dug the 200m interconnecting trench.
Fibre into Longannet
Located 2 miles south east of Kincardine in Fife, on the shores of the Firth of Forth is Longannet Power Station, a 2,304 megawatt coal-fired power station. Comprising four separate generating units it has been operational since 1970 and for a time was the largest power station in Europe.
ScottishPower Chief Executive, Philip Bowman recently announced: "We believe that installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) provides both a good investment opportunity and tangible environmental benefits. It will help us to maintain a balanced portfolio and will also contribute significantly to the security of energy supply in Scotland with the potential for Longannet's life to be extended beyond 2020."
FGD will be installed at Longannet using seawater-based technology to remove sulphur dioxide from the boiler flue gases. This technology has been deployed at generating stations around the world amounting to some 14GW of installed capacity. The decision will secure the future of Longannet Power Station, which employs approximately 320 staff permanently on-site and is expected to create some 300 construction jobs during the two year construction period. The station is the second largest in the UK and generates over 25% of Scotland’s annual electricity demand.
As part of this upgrade to the Longannet facility, Xtreme Business Solutions has been contracted to Allnet/Computacenter to replace the existing Multimode Fibre installation with new 48 Core, SWA Singlemode Fibre. This will enhance the new Cisco hardware currently being installed as part of the Plant refurbishment.
Two teams of engineers are currently installing over 13,000 metres of cable around the site from the Coal Plant situated at the gatehouse to the contractors compound two miles away. There are 34 terminating locations around the site and the Network will be split into 2 LAN’s. The Network will have three separate “Rings” to ensure resilience.
