Guru Technology founders Arran Kirton and John Bennetts are busy building a go-to central hub for all SMEs in Northants, with phase two of their master plan on track for completion this year.
Northamptonshire-based telecoms and broadband wholesaler Guru Technology began life in 2019, established by best friends Kirton (Managing Director Pictured left) and Bennetts (Director). They previously worked for a comms reseller that was sold, enabling the pair to follow their dream and jointly set up a business. “Arran and I have worked together in some capacity, bar a few months, since the age of 16,” explained Bennetts. “We know each other inside and out – we’re almost telepathic.”
Their strategically aligned thinking has enabled the company to hit £3 million revenue, serve 7,000 users and offer a mixed product set of mobile, VoIP, broadband, IT, CCTV, solar and EV. “Last year saw a 44 per cent revenue increase, and we built out our product set, internal systems and capabilities,” added Kirton. “We also tipped over 260 five star Google reviews which is something we can hang our hat on. This is just the beginning because 2025 is where Guru 2.0 takes shape.”
The first iteration of the business has its roots in both Kirton’s and Bennetts’ ambition to do something for themselves using the knowledge they’d gained from just over 10 years working in the industry. “We started on my dining room table and scaled from there with a small investment from my older brother Jamie,” noted Kirton. “The dream was to build a business focused on the SME marketplace that delivered better service and had its own identity.”
Buyers need proof. They want to speak to customers, they want to feel they know the business and experience before they buy
Today, Guru Technology has 14 staff and the ambition is for it to be known as the go-to company in Northamptonshire for all things telecoms and broadband services. “Future growth will come from smaller partners working with us, natural new business growth from social media and referrals along with acquisitions,” explained Kirton. “We are mid-way through delivering our growth strategy and getting the foundations in place for customer acquisitions or full business purchases of dealers or wholesalers with sub £1.5 million turnover. We are also hunting for partnerships.”
Key question
Bennetts (pictured left) pointed out that every decision, every recruit and every strategic move is driven by one question – how can they serve customers better while scaling at the same time? “From evolving our AI capabilities and processes, to exploring new markets and upcoming partnerships, we’re always focused on unlocking faster and smarter access to solutions for each customer and partner,” he added.
According to Kirton, the customer buying profile has changed and the days of ‘talking a good game’ are over. “You need the systems and processes to help deliver for each and every customer,” he added. “As we evolve, the use of live data metrics and a quality tech stack will be key because customers are more savvy, more clued up and know more about what they want. That’s why our GTM is heavily focused on a show and prove approach. Buyers need proof. They want to speak to customers, they want to feel they know the business and experience before they buy. We use a powerful tech stack, social media, our own customer and Google reviews to give potential customers the confidence to decide that we are the partner for them. The days of written testimonials or discussions around how great the business is are dead.”
Within three years Kirton expects Guru Technology to become part of the bigger player conversations, and be better known and better networked in the industry – all under the auspices of two men who understand what leadership means. “From a young age I have wanted to run my own company,” commented Kirton. “The experience I gained from my first job doing three paper rounds, to call centre sales, to door-to-door knocking in 100 per cent commission roles, shows that I have the drive to create something and make it happen. We’ve scaled from nothing to £3 million and know what it takes to get over that first few million in good shape.”
Bennetts also noted that aside from an ‘unwavering belief in yourself’, the key for any leader is understanding people and the ever-changing world around us all. “Everyone ticks differently and every staff member will have good times and bad times, but getting everyone pulling in the same direction is key,” he added. “Surrounding yourself with great people will give you the best platform to build something successful. Furthermore, overcoming the challenges you face personally and in business while putting the best versions of ourselves forward for our families is what I’m most proud of. What we are building is really special.”