Alphatec Systems is run by Ed Kenworthy, an independent IT specialist who works closely with small businesses across the South West.

Rather than being a large helpdesk or call-centre style provider, Ed works directly with his customers, helping them make sensible technology decisions and keeping their systems running smoothly day to day.

Ed grew up during the early days of home computing in the 1980s, when machines like the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro first began appearing in people’s homes. That period sparked a lasting interest in technology that never really left him. As computers evolved through DOS, early PCs and eventually Windows, he was naturally drawn to understanding how things worked and helping others when they didn’t.

After leaving school, Ed began working for a local authority, where he was exposed to early enterprise systems and large-scale IT environments. What started as curiosity soon developed into a career. Even before officially moving into an IT role, he became the person colleagues turned to when something needed fixing. He later transferred into the IT department, where the real learning began.

Working within large organisations gave Ed a strong technical foundation, but it also showed him some of the frustrations that can come with large bureaucratic systems. Decisions about technology were often made by people without technical knowledge, and solutions were sometimes chosen for budgets, politics or internal processes rather than what actually worked best. Seeing those situations made it clear to him how important it is for businesses to have someone who understands the technology and can give honest, practical advice.

That experience eventually led Ed to set up his own business. His goal was simple: to help small businesses make better technology decisions without the jargon, unnecessary complexity or expensive mistakes that often come with poorly chosen systems.

Behind that decision was also a personal motivation. For Ed, running his own business has always been about providing for his family and building something stable that supports the people closest to him. The success of the business allows him to look after them, and that responsibility drives the way he approaches his work every day.

Today, Ed works closely with small businesses as a trusted extension of their team. He focuses on keeping IT simple, reliable and scalable, ensuring it supports growth rather than getting in the way. He takes particular pride in helping customers choose the right solutions for their needs and making sure they are not paying for systems or services they don’t actually need.

With many years of experience behind him, Ed believes good IT should feel straightforward. His approach is to explain things clearly, avoid unnecessary jargon and make sure customers genuinely benefit from the technology they invest in. For many of his clients, that peace of mind is exactly what they value most.

If you’re a growing business and want IT that simply works — without unnecessary complexity — Ed is always happy to have an informal conversation about your current setup and where things could be improved.