Exeter IT firm lauded as business to watch
Exeter-based IT firm Hosted Desktop UK (HDUK) is on cloud nine after being recognised by two key business publications – Real Business and Business Insider South West. And as the cherry on the cake the firm has been announced as a finalist in the Exeter Express & Echo Business Awards in the Small Business and Business of the Year categories. Founder and MD Adam Chetnik will be keeping everything crossed on when the winners are announced later today at Sandy Park in Exeter.
HDUK was unveiled by Real Business, the UK’s leading title for high-growth business and entrepreneurial SMEs, as one of the 50 most disruptive firms in the UK at a glittering ceremony in the apt location of technology startup hub of Old Street, London. The firm is one of just three South West companies chosen as a member of the Everline Future 50, an elite group of companies that are deemed to be breaking down barriers, creating innovative products and – most importantly – disrupting previously stagnant industries.
From financial technology heavyweights such as Funding Circle and TransferWise to online travel big-hitters Secret Escapes and HouseTrip, the Everline Future 50 has a proven track record of being ahead of the curve and identifying the promising businesses that may one day go on to become household names.
Russell Gould, COO at Orange Money (trading as Everline and Ezbob), said: “The quality of entries to this year's Future 50 has once again been outstanding. The innovation, growth, ideas and opportunities these businesses represent is truly inspirational. As a judge it was extremely difficult to decide on the winners.”
Closer to home, HDUK has also caught the eye of the business gurus at Business Insider South West, with MD Adam Chetnik being selected as a member of its illustrious 42 under 42 Club. This round-up of the region’s brightest business talent celebrates young entrepreneurs from a diverse industry spectrum across the South West, from sibling cider makers to a youthful cycling clothing manufacturer and, of course, cloud computing experts HDUK.
Adam says: “We really are floating on top of a cloud and are delighted to have been recognised as making real progress on our vision of becoming an industry leader in providing virtual hosted desktop solutions designed to replace the traditional, in-house IT infrastructure and enable more flexible working.”
With over 10 years’ experience in the IT industry, providing computer support, designing and implementing networks, young entrepreneur and HDUK MD Adam founded one of the most respected hosted desktop providers in the UK. Following two years of rigorous research and development into cloud-based technology, HDUK’s virtual desktop solutions were an instant success when they launched in August 2010. The firm won Best Start Up in the Western Morning News Business Awards, and followed this with success at the Express & Echo Business Awards for Excellence in Customer Service. With the help of Sales Director Steve Thorns, the company has continued to grow year on year, now employing 15 people and servicing over 600 clients with 3,000+ active hosted desktop users.
