One of KCOM Group's Trainee Software Engineers, Abbie Harper, has been announced as a finalist for the Young IT Professional of the Year award at this year's BCS & Computing UK IT Industry Awards.

This award recognises individuals amongst the young IT community who have demonstrated excellence in their profession in the last 12 months.

The annual event will be held in November at Battersea Park Events Arena in London where the winner of the award will be announced.

Steve Humm, CIO at KCOM Group, said: "We're delighted to hear that Abbie has been shortlisted for this fantastic award. Abbie joined our business in October 2013 as part of our graduate scheme and very quickly started adding tangible value. Abbie not only has impressive technical skills and competencies, but also a professional and collaborative approach to her work that has made her a role model for our latest set of graduates and other employees.

"We work in an exciting industry and developing solutions is not always straightforward, and Abbie tackles every challenge with infectious enthusiasm and positivity."

Adam Thilthorpe, Director for Professionalism at the Institute, said: "The Chartered Institute for IT would like to congratulate this year's finalists. They showcase not only the innovation and the professionalism of those working in IT, but also demonstrate the importance of IT in delivering business and social benefit."

Stuart Sumner, Editor of Computing adds: "I would like to congratulate all of the finalists. The UK IT Industry Awards are rigorously judged and to be announced as a finalist is a great achievement."

The BCS & Computing UK IT Industry Awards is a platform for the entire profession to celebrate best practice, innovation and excellence.

About KCOM PLC

KCOM Group PLC is a leading provider of communications services to organisations and consumers, serving customers through four market focused brands.

KC provides a range of telephony and broadband services to consumers and businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire. Our other three brands serve organisations throughout the UK. Eclipse provides communications services to small and medium businesses across the UK, connecting them to customers, partners and suppliers and improving their productivity and flexibility, and helping them to grow. Kcom works with some of the UK's biggest names, delivering communications services that enable them to be flexible, efficient and more responsive to their customers. Smart421 delivers high-end consultancy, integration and management of business-critical systems for enterprise customers.

We apply the collective knowledge and expertise of our people and our partners to help our customers harness the power of communications. Our focus is on the delivery of inspiring customer experiences, and finding new and better ways to connect people.

For further information please contact:

Laura Cavanagh
PR Executive, KCOM Group
01924 882885/07738785435
laura.cavanagh@kcom.com

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