Oxford: IT firm celebrates 20 of growth and innovation

Based at prestigious Milton Park, in Abingdon, Planet IT, is of the UK’s leading providers of fully outsourced IT support and supplies organisations locally, nationally and globally.

Planet IT employs almost 100 people and many have been with the company for more than a decade. It has staff based in Ireland, Germany, France and is due to open a third UK base in London next year.

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Childhood friends Sean Smith and Gavin Jones grew up in Blackbird Leys and together formed their first business aged 12 washing cars.   

In November 2003, the two friends joined forces after borrowing a cousin’s credit card with the simple aim of offering first-class customer service in the IT industry.

Around 300 people celebrated the 20-year milestone at a glittering party at Oxford Town Hall, organised by staff as a surprise for Sean and Gavin.

Mr Smith said: “The 20 years have been wonderful. We’ve worked with so many brilliant people and feel very grateful.

“Our team, past and present, are the key to our success, and we place a big emphasis on training and culture. We can’t wait to see what the next decade brings.”

Planet IT specialises in managed IT solutions, IT Strategy, cyber security, cloud solutions, and hardware and software procurement.

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Its clients include the BBC, The Premier League, Vogue, National Portrait Gallery, Royal College of Music, Oxford Pharmagenesis and ResMed.

Planet IT has more than 50 highly skilled IT engineers in-house in its Managed Services & Technical department.

Mr Smith added: “Organisations value having one go-to IT provider to cover all their needs, rather than having to liaise with lots of different people. By combining the right mix of IT professionals and specialist technicians and having excellent relationships with software and hardware vendors, we have been able to fulfil that demand.”

Planet IT has seen numerous industry changes since launching. 

“We have always stayed on top of trends and adapted to provide the ultimate service to our clients,” said Mr Jones.

“Cybersecurity is the obvious ever-changing element and remains one of the largest threats to all businesses. Cloud computing has revolutionised how forward-facing businesses operate and as a Microsoft Gold Partner, we are at the front line of cloud modernisation.”

Mr Smith said: “New products and better solutions are continually being produced to keep up with market changes. We invest in training and our platinum and gold relationships with vendors ensure our clients always receive the best advice and solutions for their businesses.”

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Planet IT has won awards consistently over the years. Recently it was crowned MDR Security Partner of the Year for all of Europe, the Middle East & Africa by Sophos.

It has supported many charities, including donating 200 laptops to The Academy School’s most underprivileged kids through their Educate 200 initiative.

Planet IT is a principal partner of Oxford United, sponsors grassroots clubs and Blackbird Leys Boxing Club.

“Planet IT has always been about our community, culture and people,” said Mr Jones.

“Our team and our customers are always at the heart of what we do."

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

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