AN AWARD-winning IT company has ditched its London headquarters - and chosen York as its full-time base.

Highlander plc has decided to leave its dockland office in central London and relocate north in search of "a better quality of life".

The ten-year-old firm, which is an IT training and consultancy company, had recently moved part of its operation to York Science Park. Now the centre will be its permanent offices - and the company has announced that expansion plans are on the way.

Highlander has an annual turnover of £2 million and boasts an impressive list of household names amongst its clients, including Lloyds Bank, Orange, Aggregate Industries, the BBC and BSkyB. The company employs more than 40 IT specialists providing solutions for businesses throughout the UK.

Andy Gardiner, managing director and company founder, said: "There are geographical as well as financial benefits in moving to York.

"Business rents and rates are cheaper, but we are also better placed to serve the Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester areas. York also has very good networking groups within the city, and good support for newcomers, particularly in IT.

"We are planning to expand here within the next few months, and the calibre of applicants is looking very good.

"On the personal side, York's a great place for families, the countryside is stunning, the schools are very good and there is less variation in the quality of good, affordable housing."

Highlander has enjoyed considerable success in recent years. Last year, the training branch of the company received a prestigious international award from US company Macromedia.

Highlander also provides training in other software such as Adobe, Sun Microsystems, Web Trends, PHP and My SQL.

Online marketing of company websites is one of Highlander's fastest-growing areas. Adam Purser, marketing director of inward investment board york-england.com, said: "We are really pleased that Highlander decided to move their business to York from London.

"They are just the sort of company that we are targeting."

Updated: 09:35 Tuesday, May 31, 2005