As Smart Computers marks 30 years in business, we shine the spotlight once again on our Founder and Sales Director, Tim Potts, to reflect on the journey so far.
‘When I started the business in 1996, it was focused purely on IT rentals. At the time, outside of London, what we were offering was pretty unique. We grew quickly – doubling in size year on year in those early days – and I still remember the first big cheque we received. We photocopied it and put it on the wall. It felt like a real milestone.
When Will Rendell joined in 1998, we expanded into Sales, Service and IT Support. The industry was changing fast. Dial-up was the norm, Windows 95 was cutting edge, and most support meant getting in the car with a toolkit. We knew we had to evolve with the technology – internet-based solutions, more complex systems, and deeper technical expertise became part of our everyday work.
As we grew, we expanded geographically and across sectors. In 2004, when Dean Newman joined, we added training to our services. Dean still works on the Support Desk today, doing what he does best – helping customers day in, day out.
One thing that’s never changed is the kind of people we employ. We’ve always looked for friendly, like-minded individuals who enjoy technology not just as a job, but as a genuine interest. That enthusiasm rubs off on our customers and allows us to deliver great service without hiding behind jargon. Being approachable has always mattered to us.
Over the last decade especially, the pace of change has been incredible. Cloud computing, cybersecurity, remote IT monitoring – all of it has transformed how businesses operate. When COVID hit, we saw just how important flexibility was. Almost overnight, companies needed to rent laptops, desktops, and secure home setups. We were inundated with requests and grew our computer rental stock rapidly to meet demand. Many customers told us they simply couldn’t have managed without that support. Moments like that remind you why you do what you do.
We’re proud that some of our earliest customers are still with us today. Long-term relationships mean everything in this industry – they’re built on trust, consistency and doing things properly.
Thirty years on, the technology looks very different. We’re talking about cloud-first infrastructure, advanced cybersecurity, AI-driven tools and proactive monitoring. But the foundations of the business remain exactly the same: straightforward advice, reliable service, and solutions that genuinely work for real people.
I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come – and excited about what comes next. It’s a fast-paced industry, and that’s what makes it interesting. Who knows what we’ll be offering in another 30 years?’
Tim Potts
Sales Director
