A THRIVING IT company that started when its teenage owner invested in a Phillip's screwdriver has celebrated 15 years in business by throwing a party for its wide range of Teesside clients.

Rob Rushby, was 19 when he launched alphatech in 1999, and says he only got through the first three years because he “refused to go bankrupt”.

But now the business on Skippers Lane Industrial Estate, Middlesbrough, is "flying" on the back of a record turnover based on providing IT support and solutions to companies ranging from sole traders to international businesses with multi-million pound turnovers.

The company's key clients include two of their first customers - Shaw Lifting and Ecco Finishing Supplies - along with local window suppliers, steeplejacks, dental practices, locksmiths, manufacturers, engineering companies, fire surround suppliers and, most recently, a firm of solicitors.

Boasting a business partnership with business technology giant Sage, alphatech’s five-man team of engineers and customer support staff are a far cry from the firm’s early days .

Mr Rushby said: “All I had when I started was a Phillips number 1 screwdriver! When I look back, it’s a massive achievement to have come so far. Our monthly turnover is now as big as it used to be in a whole year.

“We have expanded alongside our customers. One of our key clients had five computers when we first started working with them. Now they have 50.

“Many of our customers have been with us for ten years or more. Clients stay loyal to us because they trust us to give them the service they want and quickly solve any IT problems they might have to ensure they can remain focused on their business.

“The IT industry is changing quickly, so where once we were very much focused on supplying hardware, we’re now increasingly supporting businesses with Cloud-based solutions to ensure they stay ahead of the game.”

Grangetown-born Mr Rusby, now 34, added: "The biggest challenges have always been money. I come from a working class background and started at a young age. I made some massive mistakes in my first three years and lost a lot of money when I was young and naïve but I refused to go bust.”

The company was saved in 2003 thanks to a £30,000 loan from UK Steel Enterprise, while life and business partner Claire Hatton joined alphatech seven years ago after the pair met at a business networking event.

Originally based in the Grangetown offices of first customers, Shaw Lifting, alphatech then moved to the Innovation Centre at Kirkleatham Business Park before switching to their own spacious premises on Skippers Lane Industrial Estate three year.