North East tech company Aspire Technology Solutions is celebrating after being awarded a Royal Warrant in recognition of its services to the Royal Household.
Gateshead based Aspire is one of just five companies headquartered in the North East and 800 across the Ƶ to hold a Royal Warrant, a prestigious mark of excellence, granted to companies that supplied high standard goods or services to the Royal Household over a period of several years.
Founded in 2006, Aspire is a leading providers of managed IT, cyber security and modern workplace solutions and currently supports over 2,000 organisations across the Ƶ with tech solutions.
The Gateshead company – named Company of the Year at the North East Business Awards in 2020 – moved into the Pipewell Quay offices, the converted Baja Beach nightclub, from its former offices at Heworth Hall back in 2021, from which it has grown to become a £39m turnover business.
CEO and co-founder Chris Fraser said very few technology companies in the Ƶ have received the level of recognition, highlighting its significance within the sector.
He said: “Being awarded a Royal Warrant by His Majesty is a very proud moment for Aspire. It marks a significant point in our journey and speaks to the standards we’ve maintained as we’ve grown.
"As organisations embrace modern, cloud-first infrastructure and face growing cyber security demands, we remain focused on shaping what future-ready technology looks like.
"This recognition reinforces the trust our customers place in us and reflects the innovation and ambition that continue to drive us forward.”
The award follows a period of sustained growth and national expansion for Aspire, having acquired Cloud Cover IT in Glasgow and CloudCoco Limited in Leeds in the last 18 months, strengthening its Ƶ footprint and technical capabilities.
The company’s Aspire Solutions Holdings Limited secured significant minority investment from LDC, the Ƶ’s leading mid-market private equity firm and part of Lloyds Banking Group, in March 2022.
Steve Laverick, technical director at Aspire and Warrant Grantee, added: “Delivering secure, high-performance technology solutions takes deep expertise and a relentless focus on quality. The Royal Warrant is a powerful validation of the standards our teams uphold every day.
“It’s an honour and privilege to receive the Royal Warrant after personally working with The Royal Household for over 20 years, and equally, it’s a real milestone for everyone at Aspire as it reflects the trust our customers place in us to deliver consistently at the highest level. I’d like to thank the entire team for their dedication and hard work. This recognition belongs to them.”
Other North East Royal Warrant holders include Belford equine bedding manufacturer Bedmax, church robes maker J & M Sewing Service Ltd based in Newcastle city centre, South Shields wax jacket maker Barbour and Hardy’s fly fishing specialist in Cramlington.
