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Turning traditional technology solutions on its head: Nigel Begg of Aspire speaks to bdaily

The company synopsis of Aspire Technology Solutions reads like many other IT companies – specialising in data centre solutions, cloud services and application development – but managing director Nigel Begg strives to ensure the company provides something a little bit different.

“We start from a business point of view, rather than a products perspective,” he explains. “By looking at what a business needs rather than what services we offer, we can provide a simplified and more efficient service for businesses.

“Until I started the business I didn’t realise what a privilege it is to be an IT consultant, as companies will have to share their plans for the next 3-5 years in order to work out what the best route is for them to take.”

After almost 20 years working in IT services in London, Nigel Begg moved back up North to set up Aspire with his business partner Chris Fraser in 2006.

“I spent many years working as a consultant in London, and when I met Chris, I quickly discovered he was the best tech guy I’d ever worked with, so it was the perfect choice,” Nigel recounts. “I now work on the business solutions while he architects the technology behind our products.”

Since then, the company has grown rapidly to a staff of 25, with plans to expand further over the next few years. Despite the difficult economic climate, the company has grown year on year, and in 2010 turned over nearly £3 million.

Controversially, Nigel describes the recession as “a state of mind” for many businesses, and attributes the company’s success to plain and simple hard work.

“Yes, there have been tough trading conditions, but it’s been the same for everyone. I think that if you believe in what you’re doing and work hard enough at it, you will survive,” he says.

“While we were cautious, the recession also meant we had to be more efficient – but ultimately, the only trading conditions we’ve ever known have been the current recession climate.”

Throughout our conversation, Nigel constantly refers back to the team who work at Aspire, of whom he is clearly very proud. Nigel is keen to nurture local talent, working closely with schools and universities to snap up the brightest and best.

“We give students the chance to work in a real business, and have supported several of our employees through their university degrees.

“We can also offer our staff opportunities to travel to America, Gibraltar and Jersey, which means that once they join us, they are keen to stay.

“This in turn means that businesses finish projects with the same team they started with, a facet of Aspire which they really value.”

Nigel now believes that “the North is ready for another customer focussed IT business”, and aims to grow Aspire to fill that gap. The company is now expanding its product portfolio to include Telephony and Unified Communications solutions, and earlier this month gained partner status with communications vendor Mitel.

“This is a huge achievement for Aspire, as it will enable us to branch out to offer a range of communications platforms.

“Its an incredibly exciting time for Chris and myself, as by converging the market, we hope we can eventually become a one stop shop for IT Solutions.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .