About Akhter Computers

Akhter Computers: A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

Our History & Foundations

Founded in 1979 by Prof Humayun Mughal, Akhter Computers has a long-standing commitment to innovation.

In 1981, recognizing the market potential of UK-manufactured computer products, we began producing disk drive subsystems for BBC computers.

What We Do

We design and assemble cutting-edge hardware including:

Personal computers
Notebooks
File servers
Storage systems

In addition, we develop software and offer a wide range of services:

Custom hardware and software solutions
Product development
Project and network management
Consultancy
Installation & maintenance

Our mission

To work closely with customers to deliver tailored ICT solutions that meet specific business needs.

Supporting Modern Business Needs

In today’s fast-paced world, organizations face constant pressure to:

Manage costs
Reduce risks
Ensure compliance with industry and legal standards

Partnering with Akhter helps you:

Maintain and optimize your IT infrastructure
Simplify day-to-day network administration
Focus on core objectives with trusted support

Location & Community

Based in Harlow, Essex, UK, Akhter is proud to serve local and international clients with innovative IT solutions.

The Value of Partnership

At Akhter, we believe strong partnerships are key to success. We listen carefully to our clients to understand their challenges and goals. Then, we provide strategic recommendations to help maximize your IT investment and return.

Research and Development

We are dedicated to staying at the forefront of technology. Our significant investment in Research & Development ensures we deliver state-of-the-art solutions. Creating new products tailored to customer needs remains one of our core strengths.

Our Support Services

Our flexible Managed IT Support Services help you:

Achieve compliance
Support your objectives
Reduce risks & costs
Enhance performance
Protect your existing assets

All services are monitored and managed according to industry best practices, with certifications in:

ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Assurance)
ISO 27001:2013 (IT Security)
ISO 20000:2011 (Service Management System)
ISO 22301:2019 (Business Continuity Management Systems)
ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System)

Why Choose Us?

Experience: Over 40 years in the industry
Expertise: Deep understanding of modern business challenges
Partnership: Committed to your success
Innovation: Continually investing in new technologies

Akhter’s Journey & Achievements

Akhter, along with Acorn Computers, built the very first computers used in schools alongside the BBC, 2 years before the Dell corporation started, 3 years before the first Toshiba, and even before the Microsoft MS-DOS hit the IBMs first PC in 1981 in the US.

Akhter took their first order from the RAF in 1982, and in true Akhter fashion, took a gamble on supporting Defence over profitability for themselves.

Back around 1982, RAF Innsworth were at the time using CCTA, the early predecessor of CCS. The following three individuals were working on Project SAMA; Gp Capt Alan Jackson, Wg Cdr Ian Hadley, and Sqn Ldr Roger Gilbert. Akhter was very new to the MOD and as yet weren’t a ‘Standing Supplier’, as they hadn’t ever had an order for £500k, which was the set criteria. The deal had Akhter working with a Prime supplier at the time; In the meeting with the three RAF Officers, the Gp Capt stated that a part was missed from the tender for printers. The Prime contractor immediately fell into type and started calculating how much extra it would be and that parts were on back order and would take ages to deliver. Meanwhile, Professor Humayun Mughal (Akhter’s founder) was speaking with the Wg Cdr and suggested that Akhter could deliver these parts, and indeed for free.

Akhter took a hit on this deal and made zero profit, however, since it was their very first deal with the MOD, Humayun wanted to show how he and his business would always consider the bigger picture. The prime in all of this refused to cut their margin and didn’t help with the supply chain either.

After the order was delivered, on time and on budget, Akhter was sponsored to become a prime supplier to the RAF.

By 1987 the Company was manufacturing the first range of "Akhter" Personal Computers at its Harlow premises. Akhter won its first significant contract in 1987, to supply personal computers to the Open University, followed in 1988 by a £1.2 million contract for PC’s from the RAF. In 1991 Akhter was awarded its first major contract from the MoD. Akhter has continued successfully with contracts for MoD work and used this experience to extend its client base to include other central government organisations

During 1988, the business was restructured with the Company becoming the holding company for Akhter Computers plc. Akhter Computers took over the Company's design and manufacturing operations while Microsales was established to continue to sell a wide range of computer peripherals and bought in products including power supplies. In the same year Akhter Computers opened further facilities in Burnley, Lancashire and Microsales opened a sales office in Basingstoke to support the "M4 Electronics Corridor".

By 1991 the business had grown significantly and a second personal computer manufacturing facility was installed at the Burnley site. The Group's product portfolio was also expanding to include, in addition to basic hardware and software packages, notebooks, fully integrated systems and the provision of installation, networking, training and support services.

In 1993, Akhter Computers developed the CADDI removable hard disk drive sub-system representing a significant achievement for the Group's product development function. To date, over 38,000 CADDIs have been sold either as individual units or as part of a personal computer system, both to the MoD and to customers in other sectors such as education.

From 1995, recognising the opportunities presented by structural and technological changes in a number of niche markets, and in order to broaden its customer base, the Group began increasing market penetration of its products and services into the education, healthcare, law enforcement, corporate and OEM sectors.

Our Commitment

rom pioneering early computer technology to supporting today’s complex ICT infrastructure, Akhter remains dedicated to innovation, quality, and customer success.

Get in Touch

Interested in how Akhter can support your business? Contact us today to discuss your ICT needs!