Celebrating 40 Years of Timewade: Reflections, Lessons, and Insights on Building a Business for the Future

This year marks a major milestone for Timewade - 40 years in business. Reflecting on this journey, it’s clear that our success is rooted in adaptability, resilience, and a deep commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our clients. Starting from our origins as a small provider of cash registers, Timewade has grown into a trusted technology partner across the South West, offering a range of IT and cyber security services.

I joined Timewade as a 16-year-old Apprentice Engineer in 2008, passionate about technology but without imagining I’d eventually go on to lead the company. I’ve taken on almost every role, from Service Desk to Operations Director, gaining invaluable insight into our business and the clients we serve. Now, as Managing Director, I’m honoured to guide Timewade forward as we celebrate this anniversary.

Looking back, I’m proud to share some of the lessons we’ve learned along the way and offer advice to others in the region who are working to build resilient and innovative businesses.

The Journey from Cash Registers to Innovative Technology Solutions

Timewade’s journey started with founder Peter Wills, supplying cash registers to local businesses. As client needs grew, we expanded into providing accounting systems, such as Sage, alongside comprehensive IT support. This evolution prepared us to meet the demands of modern businesses. A major turning point came with our move to Winslade Park, where a fresh, vibrant space injected new energy into our team culture and client relationships. Over the past five years, we’ve invested in growing our team and nurturing a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Lessons Learned from 40 Years in Business

Reflecting on Timewade’s journey, I can pinpoint several lessons that have been critical to our success and growth in the South West. One of the most important has been the value of having the right people in the right seats. Early on, I took on nearly every role within the company, which gave me insight into what each position required to succeed. With this knowledge, I have been able to develop clear processes, so that as we grow, each new hire can hit the ground running. Today, we prioritise personal development, providing plans for everyone on the team and creating a culture where growth is encouraged.

Another crucial lesson has been the need to stay ahead of technological changes. From the rise of personal computers to the increasing importance of cybersecurity, Timewade has evolved to keep clients’ systems efficient, compliant, and secure. In today’s fast-paced world, businesses must proactively manage technology rather than react to issues, and our best practice framework has enabled clients to operate efficiently with minimal downtime.

Building a Business That Endures

Timewade’s culture has been a cornerstone of our success. We prioritise a work environment where employees feel valued and encouraged to grow. Seeing employees thrive and refer friends to join us has strengthened our team and maintained a positive, collaborative culture. Investing in team relationships has created a resilient foundation that helps us navigate challenges and drive innovation.

Adapting to a Changing Tech Landscape

The South West’s tech landscape has changed dramatically. Technology has gone from optional to essential, and clients now expect seamless, reliable systems that support business continuity. For Timewade, this has meant delivering fast, reliable support and implementing systems that anticipate issues before they arise. Moving forward, we see trends like cybersecurity and AI transforming the region’s businesses. Our new CyberFortify packages support clients in managing evolving security risks, and we’re excited to help clients harness AI to improve efficiency and drive growth.

Advice for Business Leaders in the South West

For those looking to grow a business in the South West, I advise focusing on building the right team, creating a strong culture, and ensuring your processes are repeatable. Technology should be a central focus; falling behind can carry significant consequences. Investing in a resilient IT system prevents the hidden costs of downtime and inefficiency from adding up. It’s also vital to stay focused, growth can tempt businesses to spread themselves thin, but focusing on core strengths and values has been essential to Timewade’s long-term success.

A Legacy of Integrity and Innovation

Looking to the future, Timewade remains committed to making a positive impact in our community. We aim to leave a legacy as a fair and honest employer that values its people, respects its clients, and delivers exceptional service. We are also deepening our commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability, focusing on expanding cybersecurity and enhancing client retention.

As Timewade continues to grow, our mission remains clear: to empower businesses through technology, building resilience, efficiency, and growth. We are grateful to have served the South West for 40 years, and we look forward to the decades ahead, helping businesses leverage technology to thrive.