A fast-growing IT business launched by two university friends 17 years ago is planning to more than quadruple its annual turnover to £20m by 2026.

QuoStar, founded by CEO Robert Rutherford, 44, and MD James Stelfox, 42, also envisages 500 clients within four years. Currently it has 60.

The Bournemouth-based company delivers specialist IT support, consultancy and security services to mid-market and growth businesses in the professional services, financial and manufacturing sectors.

It employs 35 staff with a further five joining by the end of this month such is its rapid growth.

Many of its clients, including law firms Ellis Jones and Dutton Gregory, have been with QuoStar for more than ten years.

Stanley Gibbons, the world’s longest-established rare stamp merchant dating back to 1856, has been a client for over 14 years.

Robert said: “We’re a very ambitious business with big plans for the future.

“We’ve never been the cheapest but capability has a cost.

“Our specialism is zero downtime and providing the support our clients need to drive productivity, innovation, and ultimately growth.”

Robert, who was born and brought up in Dorset, graduated with a degree in Business IT from Bournemouth University in 1999.

While at BU he met, and became friends with James, who left a year later in 2000 with a MSc in Business Information Systems.

Both went their separate ways, working for companies such as BT, DEK, Citigroup and J.P.Morgan, before joining forces again to launch QuoStar in 2005.

Robert said: “We wanted to change IT for the small and mid-market after working in large firms on an international level.

“At the time, IT outside of larger enterprises was generally seen solely as hardware on desks; a business ‘necessity’.

“It was something that most were reluctant to invest time or resources into, and that seemed to cause more headaches than it solved.

“But we knew IT should increase operational efficiency, deliver information to make better business decisions, and provide a competitive advantage.

“It just had to be delivered in the right way.

“Using the right combination of strategy, processes and technology, coupled with our business expertise, we realised we could help clients turn their IT from a ‘cost’ to a competitive advantage.

“We wanted to end the break-fix cycle and show how IT could remove friction and deliver increased productivity.”

Initially operating from home Robert and James quickly progressed to their first office – and also their first employee – within a matter of months.

Today the company, which has made 14 hires in the last few months, pictured, works largely with growing businesses, providing the support needed to drive productivity, innovation, and ultimately growth.

It could be fully managed or co-sourced IT support, Chief Information Officer (CIO)-level consultancy, various cloud platforms or high-end technical and security consultancy.

Robert said: “Essentially, we take responsibility for IT functions in whatever capacity required, allowing our clients and their IT teams to focus on what they know best.

“Our trusted relationships and, ultimately, partnerships are what our business is based on.”

One of QuoStar’s latest innovations is a new 24/7 UK-based manned service desk, providing clients with all-hours support from IT professionals, 365 days a year.

Robert, who is a Trustee of the mental health charity Dorset Mind and a parish councillor on Spetisbury Parish Council, said he was “intensely proud” of QuoStar.

He added: “James and I are 50/50 owners of the business.

“We have different, but complementary, skills and work very well together.

“We’re fortunate to have an absolutely cracking and world-class team in place and are confident, and excited, about the future.”

• quostar.com