Business Spotlight – Bechtle
Jon Thorpe, Relationship Director at Bechtle, talks about driving innovation and why nurturing local talent is so important
Bechtle, the largest supplier of IT services in Europe, is at the forefront of designing and delivering cutting-edge IT solutions. From their base on Brackmills, one of five key sites across the UK, they support clients ranging from SMEs to global multi-nationals.
We spoke to Relationship Director, Jon Thorpe, about driving innovation and the importance of nurturing local talent.
My journey on Brackmills began in 2000 when we relocated our business – then known as ACS – to the estate. Over the years, we focused on technologies for the modern workplace, including data centres, cyber security, and managed services. We also led the market in designing commercial building interiors with technology considerations so often overlooked. When ACS became part of Bechtle, it was a seamless evolution, perfectly complementing Bechtle’s established activities in the UK and strengthening our ability to deliver world-class IT solutions.
We advise on and implement solutions in areas such as cyber security, artificial intelligence, development software and disaster recovery – areas that are critical to driving business and digital transformation in today’s fast-paced world.
Act local, work global
At Bechtle, we are committed to the principle of “act local, work global.” With 15,000 employees across 14 countries, we have the scale to address global challenges, yet we remain firmly rooted in our local communities. Our Northampton office serves as a dedicated UK service centre, enabling us to provide tailored IT strategies, run workshops to maximize the potential of new technologies like Microsoft Copilot and AI, and support businesses through IT migrations and disaster recovery planning. Our clients range from local businesses, like Delapre Abbey and O’Riordan Bond Estate Agents to the NHS, Universities and international clients such as Amazon and Mercedes Benz.
Nurturing local talent
As a graduate of the University of Northampton (UoN), I’ve always believed in the potential of our county’s young talent. Originally from Manchester, I’ve made Northamptonshire my home, and I’m passionate about creating opportunities for local students to thrive without feeling the need to leave the area. Brackmills is a hub of innovation and opportunity, yet many students and graduates are unaware of the incredible careers on offer here.
I’d like to see stronger collaboration between local businesses and UoN. The University has the opportunity to forge closer ties with companies like Bechtle, and businesses need to invest in education and development of young people. Together, we can create a pipeline of skilled professionals who are excited to build their futures right here in Northamptonshire.
Growth and opportunity
Our Brackmills site is part of Bechtle’s robust UK network, which includes offices in Chippenham, Reading, London, and Manchester. With a team of 350 colleagues across these locations, we’re actively recruiting more engineers and account managers to support our growth. Our goal is to remain a trusted partner for our clients, leveraging our expertise as one of the top 10 Microsoft and HP partners in Europe.
Teamwork and loyalty are at the heart of our success. Claire Bowers, our very first employee, has been with us for over 30 years, embodying the values of dedication and collaboration that define Bechtle’s DNA. These qualities enable us to provide unparalleled service and build lasting relationships with our clients.
Commitment to sustainability
Corporate social responsibility is a cornerstone of Bechtle’s ethos. We’re committed to giving back to the community and minimizing our environmental impact. From green initiatives to fostering a culture of innovation, we aim to lead by example in building a sustainable future.
In today’s world, IT is not just a support function—it’s a driver of transformation and growth. At Bechtle, we’re proud to lead this charge, delivering solutions that empower businesses and individuals alike. And as we grow, we remain steadfast in our mission to nurture local talent, foster collaboration, and contribute to the success of our thriving community.
