For ICS, growth has always been about doing things the right way.
The Suffolk-based technology business has spent recent years carefully expanding its team, services and client base while remaining committed to the personal approach that helped build its reputation.
That strategy was recognised when ICS won the Growth Business of the Year award, sponsored by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, at the EADT Business Awards 2026.
The accolade marked an important milestone for a company that started life as Ipswich Computer Services with just two people. Today, the firm employs 16 people and supports organisations across East Anglia.
Traditionally focused on IT support, ICS has expanded significantly over the past year, adding VoIP telephone systems, website development, SEO support and mobile phones as part of a strategy to diversify its services.
Yet director Craig Starling believes the key to success has remained unchanged.
"We've always focused on providing a personal touch," he said.
"One of the things we're proud of is that clients can still pick up the phone and talk to us directly. We don't force people into a ticket-first process before they can speak to someone."
Maintaining that approach while growing the business has been a key priority.
"As we've grown, the challenge has been maintaining that level of personal service," said Craig.
"Winning the Growth Business of the Year award is great, but we've worked hard to ensure growth hasn't come at the expense of customer experience.
"The personal approach is what our clients value most, and we want to keep that as we continue to expand."
The award provided welcome recognition for the efforts of the entire team.
"The whole team has put a huge amount of work into growing the business, launching new services and maintaining the standards our customers expect," said Craig.
"The award acknowledges that the business is moving in the right direction.
"Even now it still feels a little strange talking about standing on stage and collecting the award. It's something we're incredibly proud of."
One of the company's biggest priorities is ensuring staff continue to grow alongside the business.
"Growth is important, but it's never just about increasing revenue," said Craig. "A big focus for us is investing back into the team and helping people develop."
For Craig, sustainable growth starts with having the right team in place.
"We recruit for personality as much as technical ability," he said. "We can teach technical skills, but it's much harder to teach the personal touch that our clients appreciate."
The company uses reporting systems to monitor workload, growth trends and capacity.
"If the data shows we're reaching a point where additional support is needed, we'll recruit before it becomes a problem," said Craig.
"That's why staff investment has been the foundation of our growth."
Among the highlights of ICS's journey have been key turnover milestones, continued expansion of its product portfolio and the successful launch of new services.
"When we reached 100 users on our telephone system platform, that felt like a significant moment. It shows that people genuinely value what we're offering, " said Craig.
"One thing we've learned is the importance of celebrating those wins," he added.
"It's easy to move straight on to the next target, but we try to recognise success and share it with the team."
Supporting the company's next chapter is its recent move to Suffolk House at Broomvale Business Centre in Little Blakenham.
The new headquarters provides significantly more space for the business and reflects its long-term ambitions.
"The goal is continued, sustainable growth," said Craig.
"We don't want to grow so quickly that we let existing clients down. Maintaining our service standards has to come first.
"It's not about overnight expansion. It's about creating a platform for the next stage of growth and giving the team the facilities they need to continue developing the business."
For more information, visit icshelp.co.uk
Share