EXCITEMENT is mounting as the clock ticks down to the Solihull BID Excellence Awards ceremony next month.
In the lead up to the Observer-supported awards on November 21 we will be looking at some of the businesses and organisations shaping the future of the borough to ensure it remains one of the most attractive places to live and work.
The awards aim to recognise the talented trainees and innovative companies helping to make Solihull town centre a great place to work.
This week we are looking at the work of Phoebus Software Limited (PSL), one of the sponsors of this year’s awards.
PSL has opened its new ‘Innovation Hub’ in the town centre as part of its commitment to local skills.
PSL’s new workspace, currently staffed by 20 employees, is designed to allow a small team of technologists to develop the company’s new software products for the financial sector.
Chief technology officer Neil Dyke describes The Innovation Hub, based near headoffice on Lansdowne Gate, as somewhere that allows a small team of creative thinkers to expand PSL’s products, away from the necessary distractions of a ‘business as usual’ operation.
The opening of the hub follows PSL’s continued investment in its research and development programme, most of which takes place in Solihull town centre.
The company runs regular ‘Talking Tech’ events at their offices in Solihull to which a range of people from local businesses, the press and education are often in attendance.
It also engages with Aston University’s Computer Science Industry club and is a part of the Aston Business School Advanced Services Growth Programme.
Kate Langton, human resources manager, said: “PSL is committed to investing in the development of young skills at every stage of a young person’s learning journey through our work experience placements, apprenticeship program, university placement student and graduate academy roles.
“We’re working closely with schools and higher education providers within the Birmingham and Solihull area to sponsor and support learning within STEM subject areas. PSL are active members of The Learning Partnership an organisation which encourages STEM learning within schools.”
PSL was founded in 1989 as a subsidiary of Heritable Bank before becoming fully independent in 1997 and currently employs 130 staff. After over 30 years of private ownership the company recently concluded a management buyout supported by NorthEdge Capital.
Alongside Solihull College & University Centre, Mell Square owner I.M. Properties, Touchwood, Wasps Rugby, the Solihull Observer and BNP Paribas Personal Finance, PSL is one of the sponsors of this year’s Solihull BID Excellence Awards.
