Colo firm UKFast opens Glasgow office

National boost to digital connectivity adds northern impetus

Manchester-based hosting and colocation provider UKFast has opened an office in Scotland.

Lawrence Jones, chief executive of UKFast, said the new central Glasgow office has a team of five and is looking for more staff.

"People have questioned such a move with the referendum less than a year away, but whether Scotland becomes independent or not it will always be a huge part of global and British business," Jones (pictured, right) said.

"This is why we have chosen to expand north before even considering going south to London."

Scotland recently launched a new internet exchange, IX Scotland, boosting connectivity in line with a national upgrade plan set to conclude by 2020.

"There is a clear gap in the market for us to help businesses in the country to grow. We want to join the market in Scotland to provide our enterprise-grade solutions for all levels of business," Jones said.

The firm plans to build datacentres in Scotland as well, with a view to attracting financial services and legal sector customers.

Meanwhile, it continues to develop a new £5m headquarters in Manchester.