AN IT service provider is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year after supporting more than 400 North-East businesses.

Concept IT, based in Tanfield Lea Business Centre, Stanley, was set up in 2005 by Kevin Embleton, and has grown from three members of staff to 12.

Mr Embleton said: “I created Concept as, at the time, there were big IT companies offering support to the big firms, and everything else was quite basic and reactive.

“I wanted to fill that gap in the market, to bring enterprise-level support and corporate facilities to smaller companies, at the same time as operating ethically; we never try to sell clients anything they don’t need and we’re not pushy.”

The firm, which says it has consistently recorded a customer satisfaction rate of 96 per cent, has also this year been shortlisted for the European IT & Software Excellence Awards, IT Support & Service Awards and North East Business Awards.

Mr Embleton said: “Our growth and success is all down to our awesome team and wonderful client base. Many of our customers have been with us from the beginning, which just shows we’re doing something right.

“Our clients know that they can trust us and that we genuinely care; we’ll always go the extra mile to make sure they get the very best service.”

To celebrate the anniversary, staff enjoyed a development weekend at The Fitz Country House, in Cockermouth, and the company hopes to hold clients events later in the year.

Mr Embleton added: “We couldn’t have achieved all we have without the support of our team and clients, so it’s only right that they are rewarded.

“We work with numerous clients who operate to the highest of standards in their fields – they inspire us to strive to offer world class services. We’re proud to help those endeavouring to achieve higher accreditations and we do all we can to support them in their efforts.”