A Birmingham IT business set up to support apprenticeships has invested in a new retail arm offering people the chance to build their own computers with expert advice on tap.

Got IT Covered, which was launched last year, has opened a new retail outlet in Pershore Road, Cotteridge.

The shop, which was opened by Birmingham’s Lord Mayor Councillor Anita Ward, provides a walk-in computer advice service as well as selling computers, parts and offering repairs.

The company, which was originally established to support IT apprenticeships, is offering a personal service providing customers with facilities and the services of an onsite engineer to create bespoke devices.

Got IT Covered’s head office in Birmingham’s Southside district, launched last year creating ten new senior jobs and work for 16 to 18-year-olds in IT support, book-keeping, payroll, business administration and customer service.

More than £250,000 was invested in the venture which provides apprenticeships in IT support to small and medium-sized businesses as well as a book keeping, payroll and business administration service.

It is already a recognised Microsoft partner and in addition to its commercial enterprise Got IT Covered is home to an accredited Microsoft prometric test centre, which is a computer-based exam system.

Director Stuart Collett said: “We are expanding Got IT Covered and this is our first retail outlet. We have plans to open further Got IT Covered shops which will provide expert advice and a personal service to people who want to build or maintain their own computers as well as offer a repairs service.

“This business model means we can also give our apprentices, who are based at our training centre in Bromsgrove Street, the opportunity to gain valuable retail experience as part of their training.”