Murtek Crowned Company of the Year

“This is a real step up for us”: Murtek crowned Company of the Year

Murtek has been named Company of the Year at the prestigious Make Your Mark Awards, marking a standout moment in the firm’s 19-year journey supporting businesses with IT, cybersecurity and digital resilience.

Fresh off last year’s win as Small Business of the Year, the win represents a major milestone for the North East-based IT specialists, who continue to grow while staying firmly rooted in their founding values of honesty, integrity and approachability.

The ceremony, held in the Coleman Suite at Hardwick Hall Hotel and organised by Resolution Media and Publishing on behalf of ABP, brought together some of the region’s strongest businesses. Murtek ultimately came out on top, seeing off competition from SCH Site Services and Digital Edge.

Receiving the award from Caraline Robinson, manufacturing director at category sponsor Husqvarna UK, managing director Stuart Murray reflected on how far the business has come since its beginnings in 2007.

From small business IT to cyber resilience specialists

Murtek was originally founded to provide IT support for small businesses, but has since evolved into a specialist provider of cybersecurity and risk management services.

Speaking after the win, Stuart said:

“Murtek started in 2007 specifically to look after IT for small businesses. Over the years, it’s developed into managing risk and cyber threats – making sure people are as secure as they can be.”

He highlighted how rapidly the sector has changed, particularly with the rise of automation and AI-driven threats:

“Now so much of it is about protecting someone’s identity and making sure they’re secure as a person, especially with the growth of AI. Things change quickly in IT and it’s caused a few sleepless nights – it’s a non-stop thing.”

Despite the increasing complexity of the industry, Murtek’s ethos has remained consistent.

“We never wanted to take over the world. We just wanted to give a good service at a fair price and do a good job for people – that’s all we’ve ever wanted to do.”

Growth built on trust and long-term relationships

Murtek has recently grown to a 12-strong team, a significant shift for a business that spent much of its early life operating on a smaller scale.

Stuart explained:

“We’re 19 years old but for 15 years we were happy being quite small until fairly recently, when we decided to grow.”

A key factor in that growth has been long-standing client relationships:

“A lot of our customers have been with us a long time, so there’s real trust involved.”

From apprenticeship to award-winning leadership

Stuart also reflected on his early career, beginning as a 17-year-old apprentice at Ebac, a business that played a major role in shaping his approach to leadership and enterprise.

He recalled advice from founder John Elliott MBE:

“Nineteen years ago, a guy said to me ‘chase success, not money’ – that guy was John Elliott.”

He added:

“Apprenticeships back then put you under pressure, but I think pressure helps you grow. It’s thanks to Ebac that I started Murtek… but it’s never been about the money – it’s always been about what we could do for people.”

“A real step up for us”

Winning Company of the Year marks a defining moment for Murtek, following on from last year’s success.

Stuart said:

“Winning Small Business last year was amazing, but this is a real step up for us. We honestly didn’t expect to win it because the companies we were in there with are fantastic.”

Despite the recognition, the business remains focused on the same principles it started with nearly two decades ago.

“We love the park. The more we get to know people, the more we love it – everybody is so warm. I’m over the moon – really happy.”

Looking ahead

As cyber threats continue to evolve and businesses face increasing digital risk, Murtek’s role has never been more relevant. With growth underway and a strengthened team, the Company of the Year award signals not just recognition of past success – but confidence in what comes next.