Kent IT leader ADM Computing marks 40 successful years of trading
In 1984, the seeds of what would become ADM Computing were sown by Adrian Bryant and his former business partners David and Martin. Born from a shared vision to provide stellar computer repair and IT services, the business took its first breath with a small office in Concorde House, Canterbury.
By 1985, ADM embarked on its first strategic move to Lower Bridge Street, Canterbury, setting a precedent for growth and adaptability that would define the company for years to come. Adrian assumed full ownership in 1990, steering the enterprise through significant transformations that included a minor rebranding and expansion of both staff and office space.
Fast-forward to 2024 and ADM Computing proudly celebrates its ruby milestone: 40 years of business. “Our journey began with overcoming the challenges typical of any tech startup – navigating a nascent industry and carving out a niche in the competitive world of IT,” explains Adrian. “From the onset, we championed not only business success but also community involvement and environmental stewardship – a philosophy that has been woven into the fabric of our operations. This ethos is mirrored in our vision to foster an environment ripe for self-development and sustainable living, ensuring that we thrive professionally and personally, without compromising the world around us.”
Serving the South of England, Greater London and an expanding overseas clientele across a diverse range of industries, ADM’s current suite of services encompasses the full spectrum of IT needs for modern businesses. The flagship among these is its comprehensive “ADM Security Onion”, a layered approach to cybersecurity, safeguarding clients’ digital landscapes. Additionally, the company specialises in outsourced IT support, IT consultancy, data migrations, disaster recovery and backup solutions, and cutting-edge PAXTON door entry and CCTV installations. From cabling and networking to managing IT hardware and licensing, ADM has become the go-to provider for robust IT infrastructure, security and support.
IT support services are the cornerstone of the business, with a team of over 75 members of staff – the majority of which are highly qualified technical engineers dedicated to delivering timely and exemplary service. “Our market position is fortified by our commitment to flexibility and ethical service provision, ensuring that our solutions are not only effective but also adaptable to the evolving needs of growing businesses,” says Adrian.
Adrian discerns that staying ahead in IT requires constant innovation and adaptation. As such, ADM is committed to investing in the latest cybersecurity solutions and continually upskilling its workforce. “This allows us to remain at the forefront of technological advancements, ready to lead our clients through their own digital transformations. The advent of AI and tools like Microsoft Copilot represent the cutting-edge developments we are poised to embrace and integrate into the services we offer.”
As ADM Computing celebrates its 40th anniversary, the company is marking the milestone with several special initiatives, including an exciting collaboration with East Kent’s Chislet Brewery to craft a unique real ale. “I am delighted that the Chislet Brewery accepted the challenge of creating a beer for what is one of the happiest moments in my business career,” explains Adrian. “The initiative with Chislet Brewery is particularly meaningful to me and my son Kailas Bryant, our commercial director. As Kailas increasingly takes on more responsibility for ADM’s day-to-day operations, we wanted to commemorate this occasion with something relevant and distinctive.”
Chislet Brewery was founded by ADM Computing’s associate director Lewis Hanger and former employee John Orr. “It seemed natural to celebrate 40 years of trading with a product that not only uses locally sourced products but also shares our values of caring for the environment and having a supply chain that is focused on recycling, minimal waste and giving back wherever possible,” continues Adrian. “Our customers, employees and suppliers have all contributed to ADM’s success and we will continue to share many a 40th-year celebratory pint.”
In addition to the beer collaboration, ADM Computing will host a special event at Port Lympne, an organisation admired for its efforts to reintroduce animals to their natural habitats whenever possible. This celebration reflects ADM’s ongoing dedication to environmental and community values.
For Adrian, the heart of ADM’s success lies in its exceptional team. He describes his role as a leader as one of stepping back and, when necessary, guiding people to realise their full potential. “We foster a culture of support and continuous improvement, where ideas are shared and innovation is encouraged. This collaborative environment is augmented by our ethical stance against commission-based work, focusing instead on delivering value and maintaining long-standing client relationships. Our efforts have been recognised through several workplace wellbeing awards, reflecting the supportive and progressive ethos that we champion.”
Adrian takes great pride in ADM’s high staff and customer retention rates, which he views as a key measure of success in the competitive IT sector. “There are many IT companies out there that employees and clients could choose, yet year after year, we see familiar faces both within our team and among our clients. Our growth is steady and manageable, and we rarely lose clients or staff. I hope we’ve provided a strong foundation for people who joined us early in their careers, as well as for those who have moved on to achieve success in senior roles elsewhere or even started their own ventures.”
ADM’s commitment extends beyond its office walls and into the heart of the community. The company actively engages with local educational institutions to encourage and support women entering the tech field, promoting diversity and inclusion, while its wellbeing and sustainability initiatives reach out to the broader business community, hosting webinars and seminars that guide and inspire toward a more sustainable future. Moreover, ADM maintains a long-standing tradition of supporting local charities and schools, continually striving to make a positive impact both locally and in the wider regions it serves.
Adrian explains that ADM Computing’s immediate priorities focus on enhancing community engagement and addressing the evolving needs of businesses within its expanding network through strategic partnerships and outreach initiatives.
Internally, the organisation is invested in exceeding its established goals and metrics. This includes maintaining high rates of customer and staff retention, achieving 99% positive customer and staff feedback, and advancing diversity by encouraging more women into tech through ongoing engagements with local schools and colleges.
ADM also pledges to undertake 18 charitable activities each year, secure at least one business award annually, complete all business continuity checks on schedule, uphold top security vendor accreditations, and enrich benefits for both staff and customers. Adrian adds: “Our other major key objective is to continually reduce our carbon footprint, aligning with our ISO 14001 certification and broader environmental responsibilities, supporting our chosen pledges for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.”
2024 marks a thrilling chapter for ADM as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. With Kailas now at the helm, the family-run business transitions into its second generation, poised for continued success and growth. “ADM Computing takes pride in our legacy of innovation, ethical business practices and community engagement,” reflects Adrian. “With a rich history guiding us and an exciting future on the horizon, we are committed to delivering top-tier IT solutions while nurturing a diverse, supportive and sustainable working environment. So, with a celebratory ale from Chislet Brewery in hand, here’s to another 40 years of ADM!”
