This Is Tees Valley This Is Tees Valley - Issue 1 2020 | Page 65

Cornerstone flying high
as airport IT experts
Flying the flag for IT - Cornerstone directors
Chris Clark, Chris Petty and Chris Bibby.
T
hey’re the commercial IT specialists of
choice for a Who’s Who of Tees Valley
businesses – but perhaps the most
prestigious contract win yet has truly given
wings to Cornerstone Business Solutions.
Cornerstone already boast an impressive
list of clients including Middlesbrough
Football Club, Camerons Brewery, sausage
specialists Heck Food and Tecnicas
Reunidas, the Spanish firm behind the
£650m Tees Renewable Energy Plant.
But when Teesside International
Airport appointed Stockton-on-Tees-
based Cornerstone to provide IT support,
managing director Chris Petty admits he was
“flying high”.
With the airport’s services and profile
finally taking off after being brought back
into public ownership, top flight IT support
was critical to a fast step-change in demands
and requirements.
That’s where Cornerstone stepped in.
The three-year agreement includes an
overhaul of the IT network infrastructure,
including wi-fi throughout the terminal, to
ensure that passengers can enjoy a fast and
free connection.
Cornerstone will support the airport’s
network, mobile communications and
CCTV, while also providing an IT helpdesk
for staff.
“We are delighted to appoint a fantastic
local company to work with Teesside
International Airport,” said Tees Valley
mayor Ben Houchen when the news was
announced.
“Cornerstone will play a vital role in
servicing the IT network needed to support
TOP
FLIGHT
the airport’s growth.
“Not only that, it will help make our
airport one of the most passenger-friendly.
Whether flying for leisure or business,
travellers can be assured of a top-quality
internet connection.
“As well as providing a great service to
passengers, we have always been clear that
the airport has a vital role to play in the
economic growth of the region.
“When I brought our airport back into
public ownership, I said it must support
the local economy by working with our
businesses. By working with the best local
firms we’re keeping our money in our area,
supporting local jobs and saving the airport
cash in the process.”
Chris Petty, the charismatic public face
of Cornerstone, said: “We were overjoyed
to win a three-year contract to service the
airport. Things are literally taking off there
– and we’re going to play a massive role in
helping get the airport on a successful flight
path.
“Cornerstone previously supported the
airport in a more ad-hoc role but we are now
working together on a much closer basis.
“The plans for the airport are really
exciting and it’s a privilege to be chosen to
help support them.”
It was just the latest prestigious contract
win for Cornerstone, a multi-award-winning
IT services business founded in 2008.
Residents and visitors to Middlesbrough
town centre now have access to fast, efficient
wi-fi connectivity after Cornerstone joined
forces with the town’s council to roll out the
free outdoor service that enables anyone to
log on while on the go.
The outdoor network not only allows
town centre visitors to surf the net and
use their email but enables the council to
communicate important messages to the
public.
“We have simple strategies that have
underpinned Cornerstone’s success and
ongoing growth,” says Chris. “It’s about
providing a first-class service, real expertise,
a professional call management system,
looking after our customers - and all
supported by partnering global brands.”
Cornerstone boasts partnerships with
leading brands such as Microsoft, Apple,
IBM, HP, Dell, Lenovo, Vmware, ESET and
Cisco.
“Ultimately, our core values are customer
service and making sure our customers are
happy.
“It’s no coincidence that over the years
we’ve won multiple awards for our customer
service and IT offerings. Each day we’re
always looking at ways to further improve
our customer experience and make sure we
never rest on our laurels.”
65