News / Tech
The two-decade legacy of a leading tech firm with unlikely origins
The tranquil neck of the woods of Chew Valley may not be the backdrop associated with a computer hardware company, but that was exactly where Exacta Technologies forged its identity as a leading light in the industry.
For two decades, the bespoke computer hardware developer has been an integral part of the local tech scene, with a reach far beyond the city.
Having created a little slice of Silicon Valley in the heart of the Chew Valley, Exacta’s chief executive Nick Rogers speaks to Bristol24/7 following a bumper year, in which the company received an industry quality assurance accreditation and became the sleeve sponsor of Bristol City during the recent FA Cup clash.
Nick, a self-confessed football die hard Bristol City fan could not contain his delight for being the sleeve sponsor of the Robins during the recent FA Cup clash against West Ham.
“It was a dream come true,” he said.
“As a devoted supporter of the team, witnessing our logo proudly displayed on the players’ sleeves in such a significant match was an incredible honour.
“Attending games at Ashton Gate Stadium has always held a special place in my heart and to be the team’s sleeve sponsor is amazing. The support from the fans, the electrifying atmosphere and the sheer excitement of the win against West Ham made the experience even more memorable. It’s a moment that I’ll cherish forever.”
Exacta was the sleeve sponsor of Bristol City in their FA Cup third round replay against West Ham at Ashton Gate – photo: Bristol City
Exacta Technologies is a computer hardware company that specialises in designing, configuring and manufacturing bespoke, high performance computer servers and workstations.
The company, that is now based in Emersons Green, started out by producing tailored platforms for software providers, allowing those companies to offer hardware along with their software.
Nick founded Exacta back in 2001 while the industry was still in its preliminary stages. Exacta’s journey begins in Bristol Self-Storage in 2001. Then in 2006, they moved into the Sawmill, Ubley in the picturesque Chew Valley, where the company operated for 14 years.
On the early stages of the firm, Nick said: “Our journey began with a focus on creating world-class bespoke hardware, hand-assembled in the UK and deployed globally to cater to the diverse needs of our clients across various industries. At the heart of our success is Platform by Exacta, an end-to-end service designed specifically for software companies worldwide.”
In 2020, Exacta relocated to a purpose-built facility in Emersons Green, marking the beginning of “Exacta 2.0”, says Nick.
Exacta is a computer hardware company that specialises in designing, configuring and manufacturing bespoke, high performance computer servers and workstations – photo: Exacta
On the two-decade legacy of the firm, Nick said: “Over two decades, we’ve grown significantly, in fact, in the past year alone, we have grown our team by 20. We have faced challenges, achieved record-breaking goals and stayed true to our vision. As a leading light in Bristol’s tech scene, we remain committed to creating, building, and supporting advanced technology solutions for businesses worldwide.”
The computer hardware and software industries have grown at an unprecedented speed since Nick founded Exacta.
Looking back on the evolution of the sector, he said: “Over the past two decades, the tech scene has seen some mind-blowing changes. We’re talking about the surge of cloud computing, the birth of artificial intelligence, and the explosion of digital ecosystems – all shaking up the game.
“Now, when it comes to staying on top of these shifts, Exacta is not one to lag behind. We’ve been tweaking and fine-tuning our offerings to stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, advancements in manufacturing technologies have allowed us to enhance our processes and capabilities.”
“As a leading light in Bristol’s tech scene, we remain committed to creating, building, and supporting advanced technology solutions for businesses worldwide” – photo: Exacta
Nick believes that tech companies have an inescapable responsibility towards sustainability that requires action. He said: “Beyond our tech-focused approach, our values are anchored in efficiency and responsibility. In 2020, we moved to a purpose-built facility in Emersons Green, reflecting our dedication to operational efficiency and environmental awareness. Our commitment to innovation remains a driving force, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of industry trends.”
Today, Exacta Technologies and its three subsidiaries – Platform, Blackcore, and Proline – produce bespoke hardware platforms, servers, and workstations for clients that need high-performance computing, bringing in eight million pounds in yearly revenue and providing employment to over 50 people.
On the next chapter of the firm, Nick remains upbeat, saying: “Here at Exacta, we’re always looking ahead. Our future plans involve not only staying at the forefront of emerging technologies but also continuing to foster a vibrant company culture in Bristol, creating careers for local tech enthusiasts.”
With an office in New York, Exacta is eyeing to increase its global presence. On the brand expansion he said: “We’re strategically positioned to attack global markets. Our upcoming initiatives focus on enhancing our offerings, expanding our footprint sustainably, and innovating to meet the evolving industry demands.
Nick concluded: “In a nutshell, we’re gearing up to stay on top, delivering top-notch solutions that align perfectly with what our clients and the industry crave. It’s an exciting journey, and we’re looking forward to what’s to come.”
Main photo: Exacta
Read next:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
