A KINGTON company which started as a voluntary project is now in the running to help deliver Government services to businesses.

IT outfit KC3.net has thrived since emerging separately from Kington Connected Community Project Ltd, which pioneered IT use in the community but has now folded, following a management buy out in autumn 2006.

Previous work encouraging agricultural businesses to use on-line farm payment schemes instead of paper forms, and helping DEFRA conduct surveys using the internet, has now seen KC3 win approval for further public sector contracts.

It means that as a new Government Gateway Alliance member the firm should continue to grow, despite current economic pressures.

Sales have doubled in the past few months and bosses are now looking to expand its team of 12 staff.

Nick Harris, chief executive, said: “We are very pleased with this approval as it formalises our capability and recognises our E-Government credentials. We are very excited by the opportunities offered by this programme.”