Our History
Discover the history of Azro, founded in Devon in 2010 by Chris Harrill and Andrew Rattlidge after a charity rally adventure inspired the business.
The History of Azro
Azro was founded in January 2010 by Chris Harrill and Andrew Rattlidge, two lifelong friends from Devon with a shared background in computing, IT and a passion for technology.
Chris and Andrew had known each other since childhood and later studied Computing together at university, both achieving honours degrees before moving into successful careers in IT. Although their professional paths gave them strong technical experience, the idea for Azro came from somewhere much more unexpected: a charity car rally, a few beers at Christmas and an unplanned stop in Morocco.
Chris and Andrew had known each other since childhood and later studied Computing together at university, both achieving honours degrees before moving into successful careers in IT. Although their professional paths gave them strong technical experience, the idea for Azro came from somewhere much more unexpected: a charity car rally, a few beers at Christmas and an unplanned stop in Morocco.
From Childhood Friends to Business Partners
The story began properly in Christmas 2008, when Chris and Andrew met for a few drinks and decided to take on a charity challenge the following year. The plan was to enter a car rally from the UK, through Europe and into Africa, with the car eventually being donated to The Round Table in Western Sahara.
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The event took place in December 2009 and became far more memorable than either of them could have imagined. After weeks of travelling, problem-solving and adventure, their original plans were put on hold when they were unable to enter Western Sahara due to Foreign Office advice.
With their route suddenly changed, Chris and Andrew found themselves pausing the journey in a Moroccan town called Azro. It was there, during an unexpected delay, that they began talking seriously about starting a business together.
With their route suddenly changed, Chris and Andrew found themselves pausing the journey in a Moroccan town called Azro. It was there, during an unexpected delay, that they began talking seriously about starting a business together.
The Trip That Inspired Azro
The rally raised over £5,000 for Devon Air Ambulance and created a lifetime of memories. It also gave Chris and Andrew the time and perspective to think about what they wanted to build next.
Both already had strong careers in IT, but they could see an opportunity to use those skills in a more personal and practical way. Rather than focusing only on business technology, they wanted to bring intelligent, reliable and exciting systems into people’s homes.
Their shared interest in technology, problem-solving and high-quality installation naturally led them towards smart home systems, home cinema, audio, lighting control and connected living. With both founders originally from Devon, it felt like the right place to begin.
Both already had strong careers in IT, but they could see an opportunity to use those skills in a more personal and practical way. Rather than focusing only on business technology, they wanted to bring intelligent, reliable and exciting systems into people’s homes.
Their shared interest in technology, problem-solving and high-quality installation naturally led them towards smart home systems, home cinema, audio, lighting control and connected living. With both founders originally from Devon, it felt like the right place to begin.
The Trip That Inspired Azro
The rally raised over £5,000 for Devon Air Ambulance and created a lifetime of memories. It also gave Chris and Andrew the time and perspective to think about what they wanted to build next.
Both already had strong careers in IT, but they could see an opportunity to use those skills in a more personal and practical way. Rather than focusing only on business technology, they wanted to bring intelligent, reliable and exciting systems into people’s homes.
Their shared interest in technology, problem-solving and high-quality installation naturally led them towards smart home systems, home cinema, audio, lighting control and connected living. With both founders originally from Devon, it felt like the right place to begin.
Both already had strong careers in IT, but they could see an opportunity to use those skills in a more personal and practical way. Rather than focusing only on business technology, they wanted to bring intelligent, reliable and exciting systems into people’s homes.
Their shared interest in technology, problem-solving and high-quality installation naturally led them towards smart home systems, home cinema, audio, lighting control and connected living. With both founders originally from Devon, it felt like the right place to begin.
Starting Azro in Devon
On returning from the rally, Chris and Andrew put their plans into action and started Azro in January 2010. The name was inspired by the town in Morocco where the idea had taken shape, turning an unexpected pause in their journey into the beginning of a new business.
From the start, Azro was built on technical knowledge, friendship and a genuine passion for using technology to improve everyday life at home. What began as an idea between two friends has grown into a specialist smart home and home cinema company, working with homeowners, architects, designers, builders and electricians on premium residential projects.
Today, Azro continues to reflect the values that shaped the business from the beginning: practical problem-solving, honest advice, technical expertise and a belief that technology should make homes more enjoyable, comfortable and easy to live in.
From the start, Azro was built on technical knowledge, friendship and a genuine passion for using technology to improve everyday life at home. What began as an idea between two friends has grown into a specialist smart home and home cinema company, working with homeowners, architects, designers, builders and electricians on premium residential projects.
Today, Azro continues to reflect the values that shaped the business from the beginning: practical problem-solving, honest advice, technical expertise and a belief that technology should make homes more enjoyable, comfortable and easy to live in.
Proudly Rooted in Devon
More than a decade later, Azro remains proudly rooted in Devon, still driven by the same enthusiasm that started the business in 2010. From an adventurous charity rally to luxury smart home installations, the journey has always been about people, technology and doing things properly.