The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 46: Dec/Jan 2019 | Page 35

IN PROFILE
James Fry
Managing Director
Blue Frontier
A business that began life 14 years ago in the founder’s dining room, recently won the
Best Tech Support Service category at The Techies 2019. Blue Frontier, which has offices
in Salisbury, Southampton and Bristol, is now a leading UK digital agency with a bright
future.
Which clients did you work with
when you first set up?
We have always worked ‘business-to-
business.’ Our work tended to be local
initially, and we began by offering software
development, data reporting and technical IT
services. We were in Salisbury where there
are plenty of small independent businesses
and we worked largely for companies
involved in construction, manufacturing and
professional services.
How has the business evolved?
And, what do you think has been
key to your success?
Blue Frontier was set up
by Luke Harrington and I in
2005. We both had a desire
“2019 has seen us report
to build a tech company and
almost 20% growth in
had some great software
the business to an annu-
concepts and experience in
al turnover of £3.65m- a
data architecture and system
new record for us”
design to start. We first began
work in my dining room and
quickly moved to offices in
Netherhampton.
We soon started to offer
technical IT as we responded
to a market need (it was never
part of the original plan) and
we have continued to build
out our service offering
from there.
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We have expanded significantly, both in
terms of size, but also in the diversity of our
services. The culture of a business is so
important. We all work hard to keep clients
happy, and the culture of the business is
to ‘go the extra mile’, this reputation often
leads to new clients and new work. The
other key thing is that we have an incredible
(and generally very happy) team. We have
been lucky enough to assemble a group of
people who are truly dedicated, talented and
hardworking – and in turn, we work hard to
keep them. Without this extraordinary team,
we simply have no business.
We now employ a team of 60 people
across our offices in Salisbury, Southampton
and most recently, Bristol.
In terms of the team, the best thing we
did this year was our sports day – it was
great fun.
How is Salisbury for business?
Salisbury has had a tough time recently, but
the city is bouncing back strongly. We are
proud to be headquartered here and we have
some wonderful and very loyal clients.
Most of our work comes from outside of
Salisbury, but most of our team are from
the area. We are invested in Salisbury and
we want to do our bit to help the city and its
reputation grow.
What are your plans for 2020
and beyond?
expertise, and having great fun together…
and maybe another award win!
Blue Frontier was awarded the Best
Tech Support Service Award at the
Techies 2019. How did that feel?
It was great for the support team to win an
award – we were delighted. It was the first
award in ‘support’ we have ever tried for, so
we have a 100% success rate!
What did you think of the
Techies 2019?
We loved being involved. And if they do fish
and chips on award’s night, I’d definitely go
again!
Much more of the same – creating
technology to support vulnerable
communities, helping our clients grow
and succeed, adding more services and
How has 2019 faired
for Blue Frontier?
Our financial year ends in September and
2019 has seen us report almost 20% growth in
the business to an annual turnover of £3.65m
– a new record for us. Our biggest highlight
has been a new software implementation in
Zambia. This is a pioneering project designed
to help combat the spread of anti-microbial
drug resistance (what makes antibiotics
ineffective). It’s really important work and
could have a wide-reaching impact – we are
very proud to be involved.
Chase Owen
Racing
21/01/2019
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE
2019 10:26
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