Celebrating 25 Years of Indigo: A Journey of Growth and Innovation
In 1998, amidst the picturesque landscapes of South Wales, a small office became the birthplace of a company that would go on to leave an indelible mark on the telecom industry. Indigo, now proudly celebrating its 25th year in business, has a story woven with innovation, expansion, and a commitment to excellence.
The Humble Beginnings (1998-2003)
Indigo’s roots trace back to 1998 when it embarked on a mission to provide mobile, wireless, rigging, and deployment engineering services. The journey began modestly but with a clear vision. By 2003, the company had expanded its reach across the UK and Ireland, offering installation services for fixed-line and optical networks.
European Expansion (2003-2005)
Eager to push boundaries, Indigo spread its wings further into Europe in 2003 and 2004, delivering pan-European First Line Maintenance services to major telcos and network equipment manufacturers. The subsequent year saw the addition of a 24x7x365 Network Operations Centre (NOC), a pivotal step in supporting the growing services across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
Global Footprint (2017-2018)
In 2017, Indigo’s acquisition of Bellcom marked a significant milestone, propelling the company into the Asia Pacific region with investments in Data Centre services and Smart Hands. A partnership with Growth Capital Partners in 2018 provided a cash injection, supporting both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. 
Digital Infrastructure Boom (2018-2019)
With a surge in demand for digital infrastructure, Indigo witnessed a doubling of revenues since 2018. A private equity investment from Growth Capital Partners fueled a period of sustained expansion, leading to the incorporation of 4site into the Indigo Group in December 2019. This move enhanced expertise in designing and deploying fiber and wireless infrastructure.
Global Presence (2022)
March 2022 marked a pivotal moment as Indigo opened a purpose-built Network Operations Center (NOC) in the USA. This move aimed to better serve North and South American customers, solidifying Indigo’s position as a global player in the telecommunications arena.
The Birth of “Indigo” (2009)
A decade earlier, in 2009, the company underwent a transformation. Formerly known by the acronym HTTR, a mishmash of Hutchison, Team Telecom, and Redbridge Management Services, it was time for a change. A brainstorming session in a Watford coffee shop led to the birth of the name “Indigo,” a decision that resonated with the team and laid the foundation for a single, unified brand.
Steadfast Longevity and Growth (People and Moments)
In any successful journey, the people behind the scenes play a crucial role. Indigo proudly boasts individuals who have been with the company for two decades or more. Nikke Walker, Rodolphe Ehrhart, and Keith Gurden have dedicated 20, 19, and 17 years respectively to the Indigo family.
Nikke, who joined 20 years ago as employee number 47, reflects on the early days of manual processes and chaos. CFO Peter Welch, who came on board a decade ago when the team numbered 70, reminisces about the camaraderie as everyone pitched in, doing whatever it took to keep the wheels turning.
Pivotal Moments and Industry Impact
Indigo’s journey is punctuated by pivotal moments, shaping not only the company’s trajectory but also influencing the telecom industry. The company’s commitment to helping telecoms build their networks has been unwavering, leading to a legacy of success and innovation.
Subsea Success and Global Opportunities
As Indigo celebrates its 25th year, the company stands at the forefront of subsea success. Emerging market opportunities beckon, showcasing the global demand for the network infrastructure that Indigo specialises in designing, deploying, and supporting.
Our People: The Heart of Indigo
Indigo recognizes that its greatest assets are the dedicated individuals who contribute to its success. [Ian Duggan celebrating 25 years of Indigo]
Looking Ahead: A Future Fuelled by Innovation
As Indigo looks ahead, the journey continues. The company’s 25-year legacy is a testament to its ability to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a dynamic industry. From a small office in South Wales to a global player in telecommunications, Indigo’s story is one of resilience, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Cheers to 25 years and many more to come!
Read more about our new phase of growth in this blog by Ian Duggan.
New phase of growth through NOC and subsea success – Indigo (indigotg.com)