Local companies are focus of technology fact finding mission

Three local companies at the forefront of technology, Virtual College, BTL Learning & Assessment (BTL) and the Advanced Digital Institute (ADI), were visited in a fact finding mission by Lord Patel of Bradford and Gina Glot, Principal Coordinator Regeneration Bradford Council.Currently the Chairman of Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and a member of several science and technology committees in the House of Lords, Lord Patel has long held a keen interest in healthcare and technology. Developing strategic links with growing local technology companies is of significant interest to Gina Glot in her quest to promote and facilitate the regeneration of Bradford. The fact finding mission was hosted by Bob Gomersall who is chairman of all three local companies. Based in Ilkley, Virtual College provides online learning solutions to over 1.6million learners and counts the NHS as one of its key customers. BTL, located in Shipley, is a leading provider of assessment systems to universities, awarding bodies, regulators and government bodies in a vast number of sectors including medical. Saltaire's Advanced Digital Institute (ADI) provides technology development and design services to transform essential services such as healthcare, energy and communication. Bob Gomersall commented: "We are proud of the innovative work our companies are involved in and always keen to encourage and develop the networking opportunities which visits of this kind create. “Bradford had some exciting organisations operating in the digital field which augers well for the future." About Virtual CollegeVirtual College has developed into one of the UK's leading providers of total solutions within the e-learning arena. Its key objective is to help enhance the traditional learning solution through the careful integration of technology. Founded in 1995, today Virtual College has over 1.6 million registered online learners and this is growing at a rate of over 1,000 a day, across both public and private sectors. The company has developed a comprehensive product range, including over 300 online courses, accessed via the company's own Learning Management System, as well as offering a complete content design and development service. About BTL Learning & AssessmentBTL's e-Assessment solutions enable organisations to transform their assessment processes, from back office management, content creation, and quality control, right through to exam delivery. BTL's clients trust and rely on them to deliver their high-stakes examinations and its solution, Surpass, is the most widely-used system in the UK’s education market. About Advanced Digital InstituteThe Advanced Digital Institute (ADI) is an innovative technology company and consultancy. It has two main activities: ADI Technology & ADI Health. ADI Technology provides technology product development and design services, while ADI Health focuses on digital health services.Picture: From left to right Gina Glot, Judith Clarkson (Virtual College Divisional Director Health and Social Care), Bob Gomersall, Lord Patel