Three years after nearly going out of business after a spate of break-ins followed by the recession, a Bradford IT services company is looking to a bright future after expanding into a second office.

FGS Computer Services has opened a dedicated business-to-business centre at Low Moor, Bradford, in addition to its computer retail and repair shop in Oakenshaw.

Director Fred Smith feared for the future of the business he started in 2000 after four raids at the shop in 2009. As a result, the shop stocks only demonstration kit, with retail and business customers ordering what they need. He said: “We make up for the lack of instantly available stock by the level of service we provide, such as setting up computers free of charge.

“The business has come through some tough times with the break-ins followed by the recession, which saw many of our commercial clients close down.

“While business-to-business trade kept us going as the shop suffered, it has been the reverse since the downturn.”

FGS now has eight staff and marked the opening of its Low Moor base – which focuses on commercial clients from sectors such as food and logistics – with an open day on a double-decker bus from software giant Microsoft, of which FGS is a recognised partner, to help familiarise attendees with the new Windows 8 and Office 2013 systems.

Mr Smith said: “We want to ensure that all our customers are aware of the benefits these new products can have on their businesses.

“We’re holding hands-on sessions which will immerse them in the new technology and how Windows 8, Office 2013 and our new FGS offerings, come together to provide a complete business solution.”

Mr Smith has joined the Government-backed Growth Accelerator Scheme which provides business coaching service.

He is working with growth coach, former Pace executive Ian Sharp, to develop a vision for FGS over the next three years and how to get there.

Mr Smith said: “I realised is that I needed to focus clearly on what FGS needed to do to succeed and develop. Once thing was to appoint a PA, Emma Blowers, who has taken over some key tasks and enabled me to look at the broader business strategy. .

“We trade on our excellent reputation and word of mouth.

“In the store last year we took on two apprentices for a one year placement and we have now employed Tom Asbridge as a full time repair engineer.”

Mr Smith is also chairs Network Innovation, a group he founded which meets every two weeks at Hollins Hall hotel, Baildon.