AN IT and business consultancy which began life in a couple’s basement is targeting further growth.

Waterstons, based on Belmont Business Park, in Durham, was founded in 1994 by director Sally Waterston.

She was working in IT and doing some consultancy work when she set up the firm with husband Mike, a general manager working for ICI, on Teesside, who is now the managing director.

Elaine Tullett, a former colleague of Mrs Waterston at multi-national firm Coats Viyella, also came on board, along with Ajaib Singh.

Initially the company was operated from a basement at the Waterstons’ home.

Now employing 60 staff, its clients include Newcastle International Airport and Durham Business School, as well as customers working in overseas markets.

Other clients recently added include the UK’s largest independent oil company and a well-known whisky company.

Its services includes IT strategy, technical consultancy and infrastructure and project work.

The firm also has a standalone development team – a team of programmers which can be sent in to help businesses with their IT delivery.

Recalling the early days of the venture, Mrs Waterston said: “We financed it ourselves and, in fact, for the first three years we did not even have an overdraft.

“None of the partners got paid for five months and when we did not have much money we paid our employees and not ourselves.”

The company got an early break, forging a relationship with South Shields-based clothing company Visage, with who it still works, and has not looked back since.

Mrs Waterston said: “Every single contract we have with every client is unique.

“We provide solutions to people that are not off the shelf and we will get to know the client completely and create a solution to their problem.

“What differentiates us is our customer service.

“We will always put customer satisfaction ahead of profit and I also believe very much in treating the people who work for the business very well.”

The firm is establishing a southern-based office, in London, and has seen its turnover grow by 12 per cent year-onyear during the past three years.

It is also understood to be the only North-East-based IT company to receive the gold standard award in Investors in People, the highest achievable accolade.

Mrs Waterston said: “We are very lucky geographically to be where we are, it is brilliant to be in Durham as we are very central to both Teesside and Tyneside, and also close to the motorway, airports and train station.

“We also have a very good relationship with all of the local universities and recruit graduates from them every year.”