BRADFORD-based housing service provider, Horton Housing, is upgrading its IT systems with the support of services firm Central Networks and Technologies to meet its three-year strategy.

The company says it will enhance operational efficiencies and customer service.

The upgrade will see Horton Housing benefit from a comprehensive, flexible support package that includes migrating to Office 365, backup and disaster recovery and service desk support.

It will enable Horton Housing to realise its three-year IT strategy that aims to make significant improvements to support its staff, clients and volunteers in the Yorkshire region.

Horton Housing manages more than 30 housing, training and support services across Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and North Yorkshire. It provides specialist support and quality accommodation for the most vulnerable in society including people who are homeless, young people, older people, people with mental health problems, people with drug and alcohol addiction, refugees, gypsies and travellers, and ex-offenders.

As part of its strategy, Horton Housing wanted to adopt better ways of working remotely while not compromising the service it offers to clients. Central recommended that Horton move to Office 365 so that it could utilise incorporated tools such as PowerApps and MS Teams to allow for effective communication and collaboration across the business.

Mark Spencer, head of IT at Horton Housing said: “We have set out a three-year strategy to make significant improvements to support the staff, volunteers and clients of Horton Housing.

"As a business, we support people across all communities in some of the most challenging times of their life. The IT systems that we have implemented with the assistance of Central has not only made a huge difference during the Covid-19 outbreak, but it will also make a difference for years to come.”

Paul Beaumont, of Central Networks and Technologies, said: “We are delighted to assist Horton Housing to accomplish its goals. Following the appointment, our team made quick enhancements to Horton’s support levels and infrastructure, which has increased its team’s efficiency and productivity. It has also allowed them to move forward with some exciting projects that many in the region will benefit from.”