On December 6th, 2024, we proudly celebrate a remarkable milestone, our 25th anniversary. Over the years, we have achieved significant success, navigated challenges, and grown into the thriving organisation we are today.
Quadra Solutions was established in 1999 by Steve Dobson, Simon Dobson, Rob Hargreaves, and Keith Watkins. To provide a deeper insight into our incredible journey, James sat down with founders Steve and Rob to reflect on the past 25 years, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the highlights that have defined our story.
James: Can you share the story of how the company was founded? What inspired you to start the business 25 years ago?
Steve: Keith Watkins, Rob Hargreaves, Simon Dobson, and I originally worked together at another company. When that company was sold, its focus shifted, presenting us with the opportunity to start planning for what would eventually become Quadra. The name “Quadra” reflects the four of us, each bringing unique skills and expertise, as we set out to take control of our own futures. Shortly after, we became resellers for Autodesk and Zuken.
James: Can you recall the early days of the business? What were some of the initial challenges and successes?
Rob: In our early days, we worked from a modest rented space—a small room with a team of just five, including Steve Taylor, our IT Manager. One of our greatest challenges was building trust and credibility with potential customers. As a new company, we needed to prove that we could deliver services that not only met but exceeded their business needs.
Despite these initial obstacles, our dedication and hard work led to early successes, establishing a strong foundation for the company’s future growth.
James: How has the industry evolved since you started, and how has the company adapted to these changes?
Steve: The industry has evolved significantly since we began, particularly with key players like Autodesk and Zuken. Autodesk, for example, has adopted a strategy of consolidating its reseller network in the UK, choosing to work with fewer but larger distributors. This shift challenged us to elevate our performance and align with the higher standards Autodesk required.
Similarly, the landscape for Zuken has transformed over the years. In the early days, there were numerous resellers across the UK and Europe. However, as the EDA market faced tougher trading conditions, Quadra emerged as the sole UK distributor. We also took on responsibilities for key regions, including Benelux and Scandinavia, allowing us to expand our reach and strengthen our position in the market.
James: What has been the most rewarding moment for you during these 25 years?
Rob: One of the most rewarding aspects of the past 25 years has been the consistent recognition we’ve received from both Autodesk and Zuken for our exceptional performance. Another milestone was the launch of our dedicated training suite in 2014, which has since delivered high-quality, face-to-face training to hundreds of delegates. Supporting individuals in advancing their careers and achieving success has been an incredibly fulfilling part of our journey.
James: How has the demand for our services changed over the years?
Steve: Over the years, we’ve seen a transition from merely supplying tools for design data creation to an increasing demand for software and services aimed at managing that data. In the realm of PCB design, manufacturing and assembly customer requirements have evolved dramatically. Modern designs now require greater levels of compression and compactness, with smaller feature sizes and faster data rates.
This shift has been fuelled by advancements in electronic components and the rising demand for miniaturisation, enabling the development of more portable and efficient devices.
James: Can you share some of the most notable projects or collaborations the company has been involved in?
Rob: Although much of our work is bound by NDAs and cannot be shared in detail, we take pride in our collaborations with customers across a diverse range of industries, including aerospace, defense, automotive, nuclear, rail, medical, and motorsport. These partnerships have enabled us to contribute to groundbreaking projects that drive innovation and progress in these highly specialised fields.
James: What does the 25th anniversary mean to you on a personal level?
Steve: The 25th anniversary holds deep personal significance, as many of the customers we partnered with 25 years ago remain with us today. This enduring loyalty brings us great satisfaction, reflecting the strong relationships we’ve built and the support we’ve provided for their growth over the past quarter-century. It stands as a testament to the trust and collaboration that have been central to our journey.
James: Tell us more about Quadra’s values?
Steve: We value honesty and integrity in all our interactions with suppliers and customers. At Quadra, we go the extra mile to understand our customers’ needs and actively engage with them. Our commitment is to consistently develop and deliver the right solutions.
James: What is your vision for the company over the next 25 years?
Rob: Our vision for the next 25 years is to keep adapting and evolving to meet our customers’ needs while staying at the forefront of engineering innovations. By remaining flexible and forward-thinking, we aim to not only meet the demands of an ever-changing industry but also play a role in shaping its future.
James: Finally, if you could sum up the past 25 years in just three words, what would they be?
Steve & Rob: Challenging, fun, rewarding.
For more information please contact us today!