Roger Foster

Roger Foster founded Applied Computer Techniques in 1965 after training as an accountant and gaining early experience of computers at GKN. ACT began as a bureau running payroll and accounting work for organisations too small to own a mainframe, then expanded into software, distribution and computer services.

Foster led ACT into microcomputers by securing the British distribution rights to the Sirius 1. Its success encouraged the company to design and manufacture its own system. Foster helped define the new machine at a system level, and the ACT Apricot was launched in 1983 as an advanced British business computer.

Under Foster, ACT adopted the Apricot name and for a time became the leading British PC supplier. He later sold the Apricot hardware business to Mitsubishi and continued building financial-software companies.