About Adopstar

Adopstar was founded to provide reliable advertising operations support and build a business based on hard work, and specialist knowledge. The first year was all about proving the idea, delivering for early clients, and creating strong foundations.

• Founded in August 2010 by Paul Benson
• Built through long hours, commitment, and hands-on delivery.
• Employed our first member of staff
• Secured our first major clients.

Adopstar moved from an initial start-up into a more structured operation. With new team support, larger projects, and the launch of its first website, Adopstar started building a clearer identity and public presence.

• The team expanded with new talent.
• The first Adopstar.com website was launched.
• Established a stronger, more trusted presence

Adopstar continued to grow, with more people joining the team and more focus placed on creating a positive working culture. This year helped strengthen the internal relationships that would support the company’s future.

• New team members joined the business.
• Team-building became part of Adopstar’s culture.
• Took all staff to Lanzarote.

This was an important year for structure and stability. Adopstar moved into a new office space, expanded its team, and developed clearer leadership, helping the business become more established and ready for further expansion.

• The team grew significantly.
• Moved into a dedicated office space.
• Theresa Benson became Managing Director

Adopstar continued to invest in the areas that mattered most: its people, office space, and wider business opportunities. With formal qualifications completed, further recruitment and major consultancy projects secure, Adopstar strengthened its reputation.

• Completed Adopstar’s first apprenticeship qualification.
• Took all staff to Lanzarote for a week.
• Moved into larger office space.
• A major consultancy project was secured.

Five years in, Adopstar became a stronger and more recognisable business. This year the team continued to grow through apprenticeships, training success, sponsorship activity, and new project wins, showing how the company was developing both commercially and culturally.

• 9 apprenticeships completed
• Hosted an Epic 5-year party
• Sponsored the AOP Awards in London
• A major consultancy project was secured.

Adopstar continued building a people-focused business through apprenticeships, recognition, and a move into new offices. The year helped strengthen the company’s internal culture while supporting the next phase of operational growth.

• 9 apprenticeships completed
• New team members joined the business.
• Sponsored Ben Moon at the Exeter Chiefs.
• The business invested in both people and place.

This year showed Adopstar’s growing commitment to community, charity, and staff progression. Alongside apprenticeships, training courses and recruitment, the company supported fundraising for CLIC Sargent and local donation initiatives, helping to build a wider sense of purpose.

• 4 apprenticeships completed
• Sponsored Ben Moon at the Exeter Chiefs.
• Team continued growing with five new members.
• We got our first mental health first aiders

Adopstar gained wider recognition for its commitment to training, apprenticeships, and community impact. This was a standout year for formal qualifications, award success, charity fundraising for CLIC Sargent, and employer recognition.

• 10 apprenticeships completed
• Adopstar won Employer of the year at the annual ETS awards
• Team members achieved apprenticeship award success.
• Sponsored Ben Moon & Alfie Petch at Exeter Chiefs
• Organised our first GWC 10k and raised £28,577 for CLIC Sargent.

Adopstar continued to mature as a responsible, people-focused business. With ongoing training, a stronger focus on wellbeing, award recognition, new project work, and charity activity through the Gamathon, Quiz, and 26th GWC 10k, the company continued to build trust and show its long-term commitment to its team and the wider community.

• 4 apprenticeships completed
• Raised a record £31953 for Charity
• Won the Gilbert Walker Apprenticeship provider of the year from ETS.
• Runner up in the Exeter Living Awards in the Corporate Social Responsibility category.

COVID-19 created a major challenge, but Adopstar adapted and continued to invest in its team, technology, training, and future. Reaching 10 years in business during such an uncertain period made this milestone even more meaningful, showing the company’s resilience and commitment to keep moving forward.

• 89 training courses and 3 apprenticeships completed
• New equipment supported flexible and remote working.
• Supported Testimonial Year for Ben Moon from Exeter Chiefs
• Moved to our brand-new office
• Shortlisted for Corporate Social Responsibility at the Tech SW Awards

After a challenging period, Adopstar rebuilt momentum with team growth, new office space, training, and service development. The year showed renewed confidence and a stronger focus on workplace culture with our brand-new games room for staff and finishing the year with the team in Lanzarote and continued supporting charity through team-led events, including the Skydive, LongGame 4, and GWC 10k.

• 61 training courses and 6 apprenticeships completed
• A dedicated media operations team was introduced.
• A new website was launched.
• Shortlisted for Workplace Culture in the Tech SW Awards.

With strong growth, expanded services, new staff benefits, and national recognition, Adopstar developed beyond its original service base and strengthened its position across advertising, marketing, digital, and development support. The team also increased its wider business presence by attending key regional events, including the South West Business Expo, the Devon Business Show, and the Cornwall Business Show.

• 68 training courses and 4 apprenticeships completed
• Officially launched our DevOps team
• Named 2nd on Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employer in the UK
• Became headline sponsor of Razzfest Festival
• Won Tech Leadership Award (Paul) & Employer of the Year.

Adopstar reached a major commercial milestone and continued to grow its services, team, awards presence, and community activity. This year reflected a more mature business with stronger visibility and a growing reputation.

• Organised the final edition of GWC10k
• Named 7th Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employer in the UK
• 16 training courses and 8 apprenticeships completed
• Highly Commended at the National Apprenticeship Awards in London
• ITV interviewed Theresa Benson for Pride of Britain.
• Won 6 awards including Community & Social Impact Champion at Business Leader SW, Commitment to Diversity at Tech SW Awards and Community Champion at Notty Awards.

Through apprenticeships, training courses, community support, contract growth, and award recognition, Adopstar continued to strengthen its reputation as an employer, service provider, and active contributor to the local and wider business community. The business also maintained its commitment to local sponsorship, supporting a local football club and two Exeter Chiefs Women’s players.

• 75 training courses and 14 apprenticeships completed
• Received a visit from MP Robert Halfon & IfATE
• Named 22nd Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employer in the UK
• Won 6 awards including Business Services at Exeter Living Awards, Best Place to work in Tech at the Sparkies and Contribution to the Community at the Devon Women In Business.

2025 marked a fresh chapter for Adopstar, with the launch of a new website, updated branding, and continued growth across digital, media, and operations. The year showed how the business evolved from its original specialist service into a broader marketing and digital partner, trusted to deliver more varied projects while continuing to invest in people, partnerships, community work, and industry recognition.

• Named 14th Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employer in the UK
• Won Business Services at Exeter Living Awards and People and Work at the Devon & Plymouth Chamber Awards.
• Won the Exeter Chiefs website project
• Supported the Pierce Sweeny’s from Exeter City FC on his testimonial year through digital, marketing and events.

Adopstar is looking ahead with continued growth across marketing, websites, media, and operations. With new hires, ongoing training, networking, partnerships, and community activity, the focus is on building the next stage of the company’s story.