A leading mobile communications specialist, which counts some of Britain’s best known brands amongst its growing client base, is expanding its operations into the North West after seeing demand for its text messaging services soar during lockdown.

Bulk messaging provider VOODOO, which counts Sports Direct, Amazon and the NHS amongst its growing client base, has launched new Manchester-based technical innovation hub.

Based in Ancoats, close to Manchester’s burgeoning Northern Quarter, VOODOO’s new technical innovation hub will be headed by experienced telecoms specialist Zia Rizvi, who co-founded VOODOO in 2013. Four new jobs will be created in the newly launched division.

In addition to investing in future development work on the company’s powerful messaging platform, the new technical innovation hub will help businesses to harness the next generation of Rich Communication Service (RCS) messaging, widely regarded as being the natural successor to SMS text messaging, due to the enhanced levels of flexibility and security offered by the technology.

The company chose Manchester as the heart of its new technical division in a bid to tap into the wealth of knowledge and technical expertise available within the city and the new centre will form a key part of the company’s future growth plans.

Gareth Davies, managing director said: “Since the beginning of the national lockdown in March, we noticed a significant increase in demand for our messaging services as growing numbers of businesses turned to text messaging to communicate directly with their customers and staff. It is a trend which is set to continue as businesses adapt and evolve their operations during the current economic climate. Industry data has consistently shown text messaging can be a much more effective way of engaging with customers than other forms of communication.

“Despite the growth we have enjoyed in recent months, we have been keen not to rest on our laurels. Innovation has always been an important part of our work and our new technical innovation centre will help us to invest in some of the latest industry innovations. For example, RCS Messaging is still a relatively new concept when it comes to businesses harnessing the technology, but it can provide many advantages over traditional SMS messaging and our new Manchester-centre will play an important part in our future growth plans.

Launched in 2013, VOODOO uses a custom-built SMS delivery platform to help businesses communicate via mobile messaging more effectively. The powerful web-based platform is used in a wide range of applications including setting appointment reminders, receiving feedback of products or services, as well as integrating its capabilities with CRM systems, allowing the effectiveness of mobile marketing campaigns to be monitored.

The company was awarded ISO 270001 in 2019 and counts some of Britain’s best known brands amongst its growing client base.