BAKING and branded foods business Ranks Hovis McDougall (RHM) has awarded a contract for an undisclosed sum to a Hampshire company to create new corporate IT facilities at its new headquarters in Marlow.

The contract with IT solution company Computeraid Services in Farnborough is for consultancy, implementation and project management services. It is part of RHM's strategic restructuring programme following its management buy-out by private equity company Doughty Hanson last year. RHM was formerly owned by Tomkins plc.

Computerised Services will provide complete end-to-end IT solutions, from consultancy to procurement, implementation and long-term operational support.

Jim Cairns, project manager at Ranks Hovis McDougall, said: "Under the terms of the sale contract RHM are legally obliged to set up corporate financial facilities at its new headquarters in Liston Road, Marlow.

"This must take place within a six month period. Staff training will be a vital part of the project to ensure that the hand-over of the functions from Tomkins plc is seamless and transparent to the many RHM food manufacturing plants operating throughout the UK the Europe."

Stuart Rowe, sales account manager at Computeraid Services, said: "We believe we secured this new contract on the back of successful consultancy projects we have previously undertaken for similar blue chip companies in the UK."