AZoNetwork, a global information provider for scientists, engineers, technologists and researchers, has announced plans to relocate its UK headquarters to Manchester.
The Sydney-headquartered company has taken up an office in 111 Piccadilly, where it says it will be looking to recruit locally.
Although largely unknown in the North West, AZoNetwork provides digital marketing solutions for leading organisations in the science, technology, advanced manufacturing and healthcare sector.
The company is moving its subsidiary from Macclesfield to Manchester in a move to “attract local digital talent and accommodate an expanding headcount of scientists, journalists, coders and digital media sales staff”.
CEO Dr Ian Birkby
Founded by CEO Dr Ian Birkby – professional rugby league player with Oldham and Castleford in the 1980s – AZoNetwork has a global client base of over 300 companies and boasts an audience of over five million unique visitors. Since 2012 it has grown revenues by over 350%.
He said: “Our decision to move to Manchester reflects a desire to tap into the talent pool that exists within Manchester universities and the growing digital media community within this Northern Powerhouse. I’m also familiar with the location having spent four happy years as an undergraduate at Salford University.”
Birkby previously set up and sold Crewe-based Dynamic-Ceramic ltd, now known as Coorstek Advanced Ceramics.
AZoNetwork’s move to Manchester has been supported by MIDAS, Manchester’s inward investment agency and part of Manchester Growth Company.
Tim Newns, chief executive of MIDAS, said: “AZoNetwork will prove an important addition to Greater Manchester’s comprehensive science and innovation ecosystem, providing valuable services for a number of our priority sectors and complementing the work that our scientists, engineers and technologists undertake.”
