"People impression of small business has changed," said Lt. Gov. Tim Murray. "Now, 250-plus employees is small."

As part of Small Business Week, Murray toured Spencer Technologies in Northborough on Wednesday, getting a first-hand rundown of this company that provides retail outlets expert IT advice and setups. That means Spencer Technologies works with the clients of electronics companies such as Panasonic to set up everything from the checkout system to the phones to security to ATM machines for retail outfits.

Now in business nearly 40 years, Spencer Technologies counts hundreds of clients, including Macey's, Guitar Center, Autozone, Victoria's Secret, Aeropostale, Genzyme, Urban Outfitters and The Gap, one of its biggest.

One of the stops along the tour included a "mock business," which had a POS setup and other technologies as it would be created for Gap, for instance.

"Everything inside the Gap, we pretty much do," said Gene Bradley, channel sales manager at Spencer Technologies.

Bradley detailed and explained the large scope of what Spencer Technologies does, weaving through different rooms in the Northborough offices, which Bradley considers the "sweet spot" out of all its locations. One third of all Spencer Technologies employees is in Massachusetts.

Spencer Technologies has locations in Canada, Ohio and San Francisco, among other places around the globe.

Murray and Bradley discussed Spencer Technologies' new sustainability division, with Murray suggesting partnerships in the state.

"So, what do you need to grow?" asked Murray. "Any way we could help you to grow, we will."

"More money," laughed Bradley. "We weathered the recession and we're looking ahead to grow."