• Swindon & Wiltshire People
• Monday November 9 2026

Bristol IT firm marks a decade of growth

Bristol-based IT provider WestSpring IT is marking its 10th anniversary after growing from a two-person start-up into a 35-strong business supporting more than 100 clients across the UK.

Founded in 2016 by Phil Cater and Jason Small, the firm set out to offer a more personal approach to IT support, built around long-term relationships and service quality.

A decade on, it has become one of the South West’s fastest-growing managed IT providers, with its headquarters at Aztec West in Bristol.

WestSpring’s journey began in 2016, when Cater and Small launched the business with a vision to put clients and their people first.

In 2017, Elliott became the firm’s first employee and remains part of the team today, while WestSpring also moved into its first office at Filwood Green in Bristol.

Investment in people has been central to the company’s growth. This year’s employee survey recorded overall engagement of 74.1 per cent, with 95 per cent positive results for manager relationships, personal contribution and personal growth.

Head of Technical Delivery Daniel Cully was also named among the final 25 in the Oxygen Influencers 2026.

Community support has been another recurring theme. WestSpring has backed local charities, apprenticeships and community initiatives, and named Gympanzees as its 2025 Charity of the Year.

More than £4,300 has been raised through events including the Chippenham Half Marathon and a charity golf day at Celtic Manor.

The firm moved to its larger Aztec West headquarters in 2024, creating space for expansion, client meetings, events and charitable activity.

That same year, it won a British Business Excellence Award for its service, culture and customer experience, while the appointment of James Phipps as Executive Chairman brought further industry experience and strategic investment.

In 2025, Emma Carter joined as CEO, bringing experience from the IT and communications sector. Her arrival marked a new phase of development, with investment in leadership, services and internal operations.

By 2026, WestSpring had reached 35 employees and more than 100 clients. It was also named in the IT Channel Oxygen Fast-Growth 50, placing it among the UK’s fastest-growing IT businesses.

“In the early days, it was just the two of us, with a clear vision to bring people on board within a couple of years,” said Phil Cater. “I’m incredibly proud of our growth, and especially of seeing people develop with the business.”

Jason Small said the team and culture were what he was most proud of. “Seeing clients grow alongside us and relationships stand the test of time is what it’s all about,” he said.

Carter added: “Reaching ten years is a significant milestone for WestSpring, and Phil and Jason should be incredibly proud of the business they’ve built. There’s a lot more we want to achieve, and we’re in a strong position to do it.”

Looking ahead, WestSpring plans to continue investing in its people and expanding its services as businesses face growing demands around technology and cyber security.

The firm provides strategic managed IT solutions to clients including Halo Leisure, Circadian Trust, Method Consulting and Precision Resource Group.