ONE of Swindon’s largest independent computer companies has defied the recession to relocated to bigger premises and is taking on more staff.

Such is the success of SP Computers, which was formerly based in Victoria Road and employed a dozen people, that it has moved to the IO Centre, in Stratton.

The company has already taken on new staff and a business manager to keep up with the increased demand from expanding sales, repairs and visits to home and business customers.

The boss of SP Computers is Shane Perrin, who set up the company in 2000 with his wife Sharon.

They put the company’s success down to their hands-on personal and expert service.

It specialises in selling new, refurbished and second-hand desk top computers and laptops to both home and business users.

The company also has a team of engineers who carry out repairs and provide technical support to customers by either solving problems remotely or through visits to premises.

“The difference between us and other retailers is that our engineers also sell our equipment in our retail outlet, which is where our workshop is also based,” said Shane.

“So if customers come in and want some help they will be talking to one of our engineers who really knows their stuff and can give them the best advice on what will suit them.”

With about 2,000 sq ft, the new base in Stratton is much larger than SP Computers’ former premises.

It offers free parking and is open seven days a week, from 8am-8pm.

It also has a lounge area with refreshments, where customers can wait while their laptop is being repaired or upgraded.

Shane said: “We aim to offer a 24/7 technical support service soon to both our business and home users.

“For businesses, we already offer a 24 hour monitoring service for their IT systems so we can check everything is running smoothly and act if a problem arises.”

For more details visit www.spcomputers.net or call 01793 612101.