ROQ welcomes Chorley MP to the Test Lab

Chorley-based ROQ, provider of strategic software testing solutions, welcomed Rt Hon Lindsay Hoyle MP to the Test Lab.

Mr Hoyle was taken on a tour of the state-of-the-art facility, based in the Chorley Business and Technology Centre, to witness first-hand some of the software testing projects currently underway. He spent time meeting the ROQ team, as well as co-founders and directors of the business, Mark Bargh and Stephen Johnson.

ROQ was established in 2009 to address the need to offer strategic software testing solutions from a UK-base, rather than off-shore, and to deliver high quality, reliable testing services to clients here and overseas. Testing of this type is crucial in ensuring a company’s websites and digital systems work properly and are reliable and secure for external and internal users; reputational and financial damage from poor software can be catastrophic for businesses.

ROQ currently employs 85 people across the Test Lab and on client sites, ensuring that the functionality of software used by clients including Unilever, Shop Direct, JD Sports, Pets at Home and Specsavers.

MP for Chorley, RT Hon Lindsay Hoyle, said: “I’m never surprised when I see successful and cutting edge businesses thriving in Chorley, as we’re ideally located and have a huge amount to offer. Companies like ROQ are flying the flag for the north of England, contributing to the creation of a technology hub outside of the capital, creating quality jobs and sustaining the growth of our regional economy.”

ROQ co-founder, Mark Bargh, said: “We were delighted to welcome Lindsay Hoyle to ROQ and introduce him to the team. We’re proud of what we do here, and to be part of the wider Chorley business community.

“When we were planning where to build our new business premises, we specifically chose Chorley. This location opens up fantastic opportunities in terms of recruiting a team of the highest calibre from the region’s universities, has fantastic transport links, and gives us the chance to support the growth of the north as a centre of excellence.” ROQ co-founder, Stephen Johnson, said: “When people visit our Test Lab, they never fail to comment about how impressive it is, and how we’re a great example of a thriving business – and Lindsay was no exception. He was particularly interested in how we work with clients in the UK and overseas, and how much we invest in our team.”