Bristol software development consultancy Scott Logic has celebrated its 10 anniversary having gone from a start-up with three staff to a headcount of more than 180 across four offices.
The firm was founded in 2005 by managing director Gary Scott after a successful IT career in investment banking.
His vision was to develop a UK-based software consultancy to develop world-class software for large and complex clients, such as those in the finance sector in London and other major enterprise hubs. But he wanted to do it by harnessing the development talent found in the regions. 
Because of his experience and expertise in global finance, the business’ first client was US banking giant Lehman Brothers, one of the main casualties of the financial crisis. Luckily, Gary had had the foresight to begin to diversify before the 2008 credit crunch, so through teamwork and sheer hard work, Scott Logic managed to weather the storm.
Gary said: “I was fortunate to be able to rely on a fantastically smart team at Scott Logic. By 2008, we had grown to a staff of around 20, all of whom went the extra mile to help Scott Logic not just to survive, but to prosper.
“Many, many hours were put in by a small group of dedicated, talented and truly passionate individuals, a number of whom I am proud to say remain with the company, and I’d like to extend my gratitude to them, on behalf of everyone at Scott Logic.”
Today the firm has offices in London, Edinburgh and Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Bristol. It has a number of longstanding clients from a range of sectors including investment banking, financial services, energy trading and oil and gas. It provides a broad range of services including User Experience (UX) design, project delivery and testing
It has also expanded to form a product-based business called shinobicontrols which specialises in creating charts and tools for use in mobile apps, both for individual developers and those in enterprise.
Mike Smith is one member of staff that has been with Scott Logic for almost the entire decade, having joined just a few weeks after it was launched, following the completion of a PhD at Durham University.
He said: “It still feels like it originally did, friendly and open, and like a small company. I think that’s central to the culture here, but whether you’ve been here for years or are new to the team, your opinion counts, no matter what job title you have.”
Mike, who works as a lead developer, said he never considered looking for work elsewhere despite the uncertainty of the financial crisis. He added: “I enjoy the company and the people. It’s very collaborative and everyone shares their ideas. I’ll be here hopefully for a long time yet.”
Gary added: “I am immensely proud, not just of reaching our 10th anniversary, but also of keeping such amazing talent in the South West region, rather than losing it to London. Hopefully the next decade in business will be even more exciting than the first!”
