December is proving to be an exceptionally busy month for UKita.  In addition to the Annual Awards Dinner, there have been two new branches launched this month in Oxfordshire and London.

The Oxford launch took place on 4th December at the Oxford Science Park, following a link with regional cluster group OxIT.  The event provided an interesting look at the subject of ‘Collaboration’ with a presentation from one of the first Oxfordshire UKita member Lorraine Lockhart of Solution 7.  The remaining members of OxIT are expected to join UKita imminently.

The London launch focussed on the subject of ‘Information Security’ and was hosted by the founding London UKita member Andy Massey of City & Islington College.  An existing member of the Coventy, Solihull and Warwickshire branch of UKita, Bill Duncan of Secure Virtual Office, travelled to the London launch to provide an overview of UKita membership and presented specific information about his area of expertise.  There has been plenty of interest in UKita from the London area and a branch structure is expected to develop to provide coverage in all areas.

Bob Boyd, CEO of UKita was at both launch events and is looking forward to a positive future following the level of interest from prospective members, partners and other organisations.  “We have plenty to look forward to with each Branch delivering networking events and actively engaging with the business community.  Our future plans include more links with sponsors and partners to deliver real value for our members.  We are raising the profile of our Quality Mark and developing closer links to deliver professionalism throughout our membership.”

The next date for your diary is the 23rd January.  This will mark the launch of the new ‘Women in Technology’ SIG (Special Interest Group) at an event at The Abbey Hotel in Redditch.  The informative event will encourage women working within or responsible for technology to join together, to share best practice and develop useful links for the future.  The event will include guest speakers and exhibitors, along with excellent networking opportunities.  Anyone interested in the event should contact Julie Conway on 0121 506 9320 or e-mail [email protected]