A MANAGEMENT buyout has secured the future for a Whitchurch-based IT company which is now looking to expand rapidly within its specialist field.

The ownership of C&C Technology has transferred from its parent company, The Royston Group, to directors Ralph Colombo, his 33-year-old son Jason, and John Foster.

The management buyout has been brought about by the planned retirement of C&C Technology's chairman Roy Sands, and the new board will now focus on strategic objective for growth and stability in the IT consulting marketplace. C&C Technology is based in Royston House in Whitchurch and was founded in 1977. It now employs 50 staff and, for the next financial year, turnover is predicted to hit £6.5million.

Managing director Ralph Colombo said: "We have an exciting year ahead of us, with great opportunities and already a list of good, high-profile clients that is growing.

"These will not only help us realise our goals but will also provide us with interesting and challenging work along the way."

Despite the downturn in the technology sector, Mr Colombo said: "We have been very fortunate. Last year we grew 60 per cent in terms of staff, and will grow 20 to 25 per cent in this financial year. By the end of 2004 I expect to have up to 65 staff."

Mr Colombo joined the Whitchurch company as manager of a division in 1982. Prior to the take-over he was a director. Previously he worked in IT operations for forklift manufacturer Lansing.

Now C&C Technology is very much a family business. As well as Jason, Mr Colombo has his two other sons as members of the team.

Shane Colombo, 25, is a senior consultant, and Justin, 23, works in IT support, but their dad stressed: "There aren't any favours - they've had to earn their places."

C&C Technology has developed into a company specialising in the design, optimisation and implementation of IT networking and system architectures.

Its NetControl suite of products includes NetCheck, to maximise investment already made in current systems, NefEffect, to ensure the introduction of a new application does not have an adverse effect on an existing system, and the trouble-shooting NetSolve.

Since being founded, C&C Technology has built a wealth of experience from delivering high-level strategic design services and consultancy services within a variety of environments. C&C Technology was one of four companies in The Royston Group.