Member News
Circle Cloud celebrates 13 years of growth, innovation and community impact
What started as a dream between two ambitious IT professionals has grown into one of the North East's leading providers of managed IT services and cyber security solutions.
Thirteen years ago, founders Tomas Roberton and Michael Povey took a leap of faith, leaving the security of a PLC employer to build a business dedicated to helping North East SMEs get better value from their technology.
Armed with technical expertise, determination and little else, the pair launched the business without a formal business plan, without sales experience and without a single customer on their books.
Following its early growth, Circle Cloud benefited from support provided by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. Through the Council's business support initiatives, the company established its base at The Fusion Hive, an environment that has supported its continued expansion. Circle Cloud remains proudly based there today.
Today, that venture has become Circle Cloud, a multi-million-pound technology company supporting hundreds of organisations across the North East. Having achieved 25% year-on-year revenue growth, the business continues to expand its managed IT and cyber security services for the region's SME community.
The company specialises in managed IT support and cyber security services for growing organisations that need enterprise-grade technology expertise without the complexity and cost of maintaining an internal IT department.
As the technology sector has consolidated, many larger providers have focused their attention on bigger organisations, often leaving smaller businesses feeling overlooked. Circle Cloud has remained committed to serving the SME community, providing a long-term technology partner that understands the unique challenges faced by regional businesses.
"Those early days were challenging but exciting," said Tomas Roberton, Managing Director of Circle Cloud.
"We started with a simple belief that North East businesses deserved access to outstanding IT support and expertise. We didn't have customers, we didn't have a detailed business plan, but we had a vision and a willingness to work incredibly hard to make it happen. Stockton Council's support gave us an important foundation at a time when every bit of help mattered."
As the company expanded, the founders recognised the importance of building a strong leadership team. Andrew Ballantyne joined the business during its early growth phase as Sales Manager and, a decade later, remains a key part of the organisation as Sales Director, helping drive continued commercial success.
Further growth was supported by the appointment of respected business growth and strategy expert Neil Stephenson, who works closely with the leadership team to help shape the company's long-term direction.
"It has been a joy to work with the team at Circle Cloud, who have taken managed IT services to the next level in terms of quality, simplicity and value," said Neil Stephenson.
"Tomas, Michael and the team are building a great business, and I am proud to play a small part in supporting their journey."
Over the years, Circle Cloud has transformed from a two-person operation working from a home office into a thriving technology company, employing a growing team of specialists and supporting organisations across the North East.
Despite its growth, the company has remained committed to its Teesside roots. The business actively supports local communities through sponsorships, partnerships and initiatives designed to strengthen the regional economy and create opportunities for future generations.
Councillor Paul Rowling, Deputy Leader of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Resources and Regeneration, said: “Circle Cloud’s story is another fantastic example of how good support and collaboration can help a local business flourish in Stockton-on- Tees.
“It also sends out a message to up-and-coming businesses what can be achieved with help from our business support initiatives, such as financial assistance and locating the right premises, which can help them go from strength-to-strength.
“Our team is always ready and willing to provide a strong foundation for local businesses to thrive and become an integral part of the economy while providing vital future employment opportunities.”
To find out more about the support available, visit https://www.investstocktonontees.co.uk/
Looking ahead, Circle Cloud shows no signs of slowing down. With an acquisition currently on the horizon and continued investment in its people, services and customers, the company remains focused on ambitious growth while maintaining the personal service and values that have defined its journey from day one.
"We're extremely proud of what we've achieved over the last 13 years," added Tomas. "However, we're even more excited about what comes next. Stockton has been central to our story, and we're committed to continuing to invest in the area, support local businesses and create opportunities for our community."
From a two-man startup with a dream to a multi-million-pound technology business serving hundreds of organisations, Circle Cloud's journey stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through ambition, resilience and the strength of local support.
