ILT016 Andy Walters on Building Quartix: Subscription Model, Growth Choices, and AIM Listing

Episode notes

In this episode, Judith Mackenzie and Rosemary Banyard interview Andy Walters, founder and Chief Executive of Quartix PLC. Andy explains his shift from selling high-value capital equipment to building a recurring revenue business, leading to the launch of Quartix in 2001. He shares how he identified a gap in the market and developed a browser-based vehicle tracking system. They discuss the key decisions behind Quartix's growth, including early technology choices, direct marketing, and international expansion—particularly into France after the 2008 financial crisis. Andy also reflects on the slower progress in the US, the benefits of AIM, and lessons in governance, culture, and founder succession. The episode closes with his views on using AI in marketing and software, and the importance of controlling costs while investing in effective sales and marketing.