Derby-based technology company Alton Valley ended 2024 on a high, after quadrupling revenue to £7 million in just three years and recruiting Jacob Watts as Growth Partner to identify opportunities in new sectors.
The supplier of advanced network and security solutions, primarily to the defence engineering sector, is now aiming to build on this momentum by extending its offering across the UK and partnering with organisations operating in mission- critical environments.
Founded in 2009 and led by Managing Partner Carl Hamill, Alton Valley provides market-leading technology products and services to help businesses transform their IT infrastructure and physical and network security, from access control and CCTV to network installation and bespoke software development.
Last month it announced that it would be enhancing its offering with the introduction of round-the-clock 24/7 operations after winning a £750,000 contract.
Alton Valley’s management team has a combined industry experience of 80 years and all team members hold security clearance, ensuring they can manage sensitive and classified projects.
Here, Managing Partner Carl Hamill gives his view from the channel.
Technology Reseller (TR): How’s business? Better or worse than
12 months ago? And how confident
are you about the future?
Carl Hamill (CH): Business is going exceptionally well. Over the past three years, we’ve successfully quadrupled our turnover, and in the last 12 months alone we’ve doubled our revenue. This growth is testament to the dedication and expertise of our team, who have stepped up tremendously to support our expansion.
Our strong partnerships within the defence sector have played a significant role in this success, reinforcing our reputation as a trusted provider of network security and IT solutions for mission-critical environments.
Looking ahead, I’m highly confident about the future. Our pipeline is strong, we continue to innovate, and our agile and client-centric approach ensures we stay ahead of industry demands. We’re well- positioned for continued growth and excited about the opportunities ahead.
TR: In what areas are you experiencing strongest demand?
CH: We’re seeing the strongest demand in security solutions, particularly the combination of IT and physical security. As global risks increase and security threats become more sophisticated, organisations are prioritising comprehensive security strategies that integrate network security, access control, surveillance and cyber resilience.
At Alton Valley, we specialise in delivering high-security, mission-critical solutions for clients operating in defence, infrastructure and secure environments. Our work within the defence sector highlights the growing need for secure, scalable IT and physical security systems that can withstand evolving threats.
From CCTV surveillance and biometric access control to air-gapped networks, we’re continuously innovating to meet the increasing demand for robust, integrated security solutions that protect critical assets.
TR: What recent wins are you most proud of?
CH: One of our biggest achievements recently has been the deployment and completion of a large-scale security transformation project at a highly secure, 6,000-person site. Thanks to our growth, we’ve been able to take on larger, more complex projects, and this one was a game-changer.
We didn’t just upgrade the site’s electronic and physical security, we completely revolutionised it. The project involved enhancing perimeter security with cutting-edge biometric and surveillance technologies; deploying a centralised control room with an advanced 8-panel video wall that aggregates data from
CCTV, thermal imaging, ANPR and site- wide security systems; and seamlessly integrating door access applications to allow real-time control and monitoring across the entire facility.
This project is a perfect example of our ability to deliver mission-critical, high-security solutions at scale. It’s also testament to the technical excellence and agility of our team, who ensured every element was deployed securely, efficiently and to the highest standards. As we continue to expand, these kinds of project reinforce our position as a leader in IT and physical security integration, and we’re excited about the even bigger opportunities ahead.
TR: Where is business proving most difficult?
CH: Like any growing business that relies heavily on its team and their expertise, one of our biggest challenges is continuously finding and attracting great people. Ensuring we have the right individuals in place is key to maintaining stable, continuous growth. As we take on larger, more complex projects, we need skilled professionals who not only bring technical excellence but also synergise with and complement our existing team.
To address this, we are actively exploring ways to support the next generation of technical talent. We are in the process of introducing apprenticeship schemes designed for individuals who have both a passion for the industry and raw talent. With the right training, these individuals can develop into highly skilled professionals who will contribute to our future success. By investing in talent from the ground up, we aim to build a strong, capable workforce that aligns with our company values and ensures we remain at the forefront of the industry.
TR: How have you changed/are you changing business operations to exploit new opportunities?
CH: In the past few months, we have transitioned the business into a 24/7 operation, which has been a major step forward. This move has been incredibly exciting for our current clients, providing them with round-the-clock support and enhancing the reliability of our services. More importantly, it has opened up new opportunities for partnerships and expansion into additional sectors.
By operating 24/7, we are now positioned to take on larger and more complex projects that previously we couldn’t fully commit to. This shift not only strengthens our existing relationships but allows us to engage with new clients who require continuous security and IT support. It’s a huge step that reinforces our commitment to delivering mission- critical solutions with agility, reliability and innovation, ensuring that we remain a trusted partner for businesses operating in high-security and high- demand environments.
TR: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing channel businesses today?
CH: Resourcing remains the biggest challenge, not just for us but for the wider industry. Our sector thrives on skilled professionals with a genuine passion
for what they do, and finding individuals who possess both the technical expertise and the right mindset is becoming increasingly difficult.
One of our key aims is to attract this talent to the East Midlands, particularly Derby, where we are based. The city is experiencing increasing investment in infrastructure, technology and innovation, which is already helping to draw in top talent. However, there is still more investment to come, with ambitious plans in place that will further enhance Derby’s reputation as a hub for various industries. With these developments, Derby is set to become an even more attractive place for professionals, especially within network security, IT and high-performance systems.
At Alton Valley, we are committed to leveraging this momentum by investing in training, apprenticeships and career development initiatives, ensuring that we can bring in the best talent to support our continued growth and deliver cutting-edge solutions to our clients.
TR: Are customers becoming more demanding, and if so, in what ways?
CH: Yes, customers are becoming more demanding, but that’s a good thing. If they weren’t, it would be concerning. As security threats continue to evolve, businesses and organisations are placing an even greater emphasis on industry-leading solutions that offer maximum protection.
The industry itself is becoming more technology-specific, with a stronger focus on specialised products that deliver high-performance security and IT solutions. Clients are no longer looking for off-the-shelf solutions; instead, we’re seeing a significant increase in demand for customised security systems that address specific threats and operational challenges.
At Alton Valley, we thrive on these challenges. Our ability to develop bespoke, integrated security solutions, whether in cybersecurity, physical access control or high-security IT infrastructures, allows us to stay ahead of these demands. By working closely with our clients, we ensure that
our solutions are not only effective but also scalable and adaptable to the ever-changing security landscape.
TR: If you could change one aspect of your job, what would it be and why?
CH: If I could change one thing, it would be having the opportunity to focus more on specific projects and strategic growth, rather than getting caught up in day-to-day operational challenges. It’s a common situation in any rapidly growing business – as the company expands, there’s always something demanding your attention so that it can feel as though you’re constantly putting out fires.
That said, the business keeps me fully engaged. It’s not just a job, it’s a passion and every day brings something new and exciting. While I’d love to dedicate more time to driving the long-term vision of Alton Valley, the fast-paced nature of the business is what makes it so rewarding. Watching the company grow, tackling new challenges and working with such a talented team make it all worthwhile.
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