A conscious decision to expand has paid remarkable dividends for IT and communications firm Murtek – and helped earn it the Small Business of the Year title.
On target for a £1m turnover this year, it’s been a time of rapid growth for a company that was, in its own words, “somewhat a secret” – until now.
Thanks to a shift in growth mindset and some eye-catching contracts – including one with an international business that even required a US government privacy agreement – Murtek is branching out notably.
And that, says MD Stuart Murray, is no accident.
He explained: “There were three of us for a long time and we were always happy with who and what we were.
“We didn’t want to be a global brand and we still don’t particularly want to be, but we do want to grow.
“So, when we decided to go for it, we really pushed sales. Our growth has come from referrals and people recommending us.
“When we’ve worked with people, usually if we pick up a customer, they’ve been with us for life and that’s important to us.”
“We’re 11 people at the moment – soon to be 12 – and we’ll hit £1m turnover, which is a first for us.
“Even though we’ve never pushed growth, we’ve always grown year on year but now we’re really starting. We’ve essentially doubled in turnover in the last two years.”
Stuart began his career as an Ebac apprentice, so it’s perhaps fitting that since moving into Ebac’s premises on the business park in 2022, Murtek’s workforce has increased by 50%.
Stuart said: “For me, service is everything to our customers. If you can do a good job and provide good service, everything follows.
“Trying to expand that and bring a few more people to do that holds us in good stead.”
And after receiving the trophy from Durham County Council head of inclusive growth and partnerships for regeneration, economy and growth Mark Stamper, on behalf of category sponsor Business Durham, Stuart was keen to pay tribute to the Aycliffe Business Park community.
He said: “When we decided a year ago we wanted to branch out, we spoke to a few people on the park who were so helpful – and I think that’s the biggest thing with Aycliffe.
“Every business you come across is supportive and it’s given us confidence to grow. Strategically, too, it’s a fantastic location.
“I wouldn’t think of going anywhere else – I think we’ll be on there for life, really!”
Murtek beat off competition from C&A Embroidery and Print and Dart Industrial Services to win the Small Business of the Year award at the 2025 Make Your Mark Awards, which was delivered at Hardwick Hall, in association with Senstronics.