Getronics Services (UK) Ltd (The Babbage Centre) Data Center

With rising costs in power, office space, and the need to store ever-increasing volumes of data, along with stringent regulatory requirements and the pressure to keep up with technological advancements, businesses are actively seeking more efficient and future-proof IT infrastructure strategies. Our Data Centres address these needs by offering a broad spectrum of services, from standard co-location used by clients like MoneySupermarket and Trader Media, to fully bespoke and managed private Data Centre suites for large-scale global financial institutions.

Our primary UK Data Centre is fully resilient, offering high-density dual 11KV power supplies, independent tripping, automatic failover to UPS, and 6200kVA generator backup. Diverse routing enables robust disaster recovery (DR) capabilities both onshore and offshore. We also operate the Getronics Specialist Recovery Centre, offering managed server recovery, workspace recovery, DR and managed backup hosting through dedicated teams. Regular DR testing is conducted, managing client test activities, assessing outcomes, and refining plans. Our managed backup uses the CommVault suite for simple and fast recovery via local and remote vaulting. Additionally, a dedicated DR customer portal stores recovery procedures, documentation, and timelines.

Power is supplied from the Weston Point Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Plant, one of the cleanest facilities in the UK, offering 35% fewer carbon emissions than traditional grid power. As a result, our data centre is CRC exempt, with no carbon tax passed on to customers, supporting their carbon reduction goals. We aim to source 100% of our power from Energy From Waste (EFW) plants. Environmental accreditations include ISO 14001 and ISO 50001, and we are active participants in the European Data Centre Code of Conduct, reflecting our leadership in sustainable operations.

Our purpose-built national Data Centre ensures maximum discretion and security, especially important for financial and security-sensitive clients. Private suites are concealed and access-controlled through a secure three-token system including biometrics and full CCTV coverage. On-site security personnel are present 24/7 year-round. The facility has no external windows or underfloor access to machine rooms. We are certified with ISO 27001 for information security, ISO 9001 for quality, and follow ITIL3 service management practices. State-of-the-art VESDA smoke detection systems and FM200 fire suppression protect every machine room, with sensors at sub-floor and ceiling levels.

Our main Tier 3 national Data Centre is located in Runcorn, Cheshire, and spans 2,800m² of IT-capable space. Facilities are also available in Rushden and Manchester (Telecity). We offer a flexible combination of shared or dedicated data centre space, full cabinets, partial cabinets, cages, and private suites. Globally, our network of Getronics and partner-owned facilities totals over 50,000m² of Data Centre capacity.

By owning our facility, we maintain competitive pricing and pass on carbon tax exemptions directly to clients. Economies of scale allow us to offer volume-based discounts, and we help reduce total cost of ownership whether clients choose to outsource all or part of their infrastructure. Our utility-based pricing model enables accurate cost forecasting based on actual usage rather than over-provisioned infrastructure built for peak demand.

The Runcorn facility, operational since 2003, is a purpose-built, sole-tenant Data Centre designed to Tier 3 standards. It includes 2,800m² of expandable whitespace, full and partial cabinets, shared rackspace, private cages and suites, remote hands services, a Meet-Me-Room (MMR), and connections to 6 network providers with 1 peering network. Onsite security is present 24/7 and the site holds ISO27001 certification.