Specialist ICT services company ATIO is pleased to announce that it has once again been awarded Level 3 B-BBEE Status, and has been recognised as a value-adding supplier (VAS) by the BEE Verification Agency, Emex Trust. This certification entitles ATIO's customers to claim 137.5% recognition of their procurement spend with ATIO.

"Black economic empowerment is a priority for ATIO," remarked ATIO's CEO, Chris Van der Sande. "We have proven our commitment to transformation through staff equity and procurement strategies. We invest a substantial amount of time, resources and money in training, skills development and the creation of business opportunities within the small, medium and micro-enterprise environment. At ATIO, training and development is not an obligation, it's an investment."

In addition, ATIO has successfully established a viable base of suppliers from previously disadvantaged communities, and is committed to maximising procurement from black enterprises.

Van der Sande noted that ATIO's Level 3 Status and recognition as a value-adding supplier will give ATIO a marketable advantage over companies that have a lower rating, as ICT customers do tend to take the ratings into account before making purchasing decisions.

"We all know that technology can be copied as quickly as it is developed. What makes us unique is our skills and business ethics. It's a philosophy that has led us to develop a culture and style different to any other ICT organisation, delivering greater benefits and value to our clients," concludes Van der Sande.