After 31 successful years as an IT and communication service provider, Dartford firm Astro Communications Ltd, sees itself as a ‘small, big business’ operating almost like a start-up with constantly evolving fresh ideas.

Situated at Hawley Manor and with two of the original shareholders still working hands on, the company has met the big boys of the industry head on and held its market.

Driven by the further development of established customer relationships and the winning of a number of new client contracts in recent months, it has chosen to expand into the Midlands, opening up a new office in Newark, Nottinghamshire.

With a staff of 22 at its Dartford base, plus 12 subcontractors, the company has built its success on dedicated customer service and knowledge.

Managing director Steve Hodges said: “Astro differentiates itself from competitors and other small businesses in a number of ways, many of which are reflected in the time members of staff and customers chose to remain with us.

"We have some people who have been with us 20 plus years as well as us having brought in new team members many of them local, including two apprentices who came first and second in the ITP Apprentice of the Year awards last year.

“Equally some of our customers have been trading with us for a number of decades.

"I think what this demonstrates is our commitment to the culture of the business and we strive to not only make it an enjoyable place for people to work, but also a developmental environment where people can grow and achieve.”

Astro has also supported charities including financial and practical help for CampCando.org, the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability and an organisation helping former soldiers get back into the corporate world.

The Dartford and Gravesham Business Awards are supported by the Messenger and each entrant gets a free profile in our papers and online. If you would like to enter this year’s awards, enter online at www.dgbawards.co.uk by July 29. This year’s sponsors are: Barnes Roffe, Dartford council, Gravesham council, KM Media Group, Lloyds Bank, Thomson Snell and Passmore, University of Greenwich.