Member Article

Award-winning tech firm appoints Finance Director

After a year of record growth, Gateshead-based technology firm Aspire Technology Solutions has appointed Stuart Hall as Finance Director.

Stuart joined the firm in April 2016 as Finance Manager, with responsibility for overseeing all aspects of financial reporting and compliance.

In the last two years Aspire has recorded a 59% growth in revenue from £10.2m in the year ending Feb 2016, to £16.1m in the year ending Feb 2018. Net profit before tax in the same period has grown by 112% from £1.2m to £2.5m. This led to a number of growth accolades, including Stuart being nominated for, and a finalist for, the Accountant of the Year award at North East Accountancy Awards 2018.

Stuart’s previous credentials are no less impressive, having joined the firm from KPMG where he spent three years studying to become ACA qualified before spending a further two years as an Assistant Manager.

During his time at Aspire, Stuart has established rigorous monthly reporting processes and has grown the company’s financial team to accommodate significant growth. He has established Aspire as an ICAEW-recognised training employer, and he now acts a mentor and ICAEW QPRT (Qualified Person Responsible for Training) to two trainee accountants. Managing Director Chris Fraser said, “I’m delighted with the impact Stuart has had since joining Aspire.

“He’s overseen a period of significant growth in the organisation, which has resulted in huge growth of our finance team.

“During this time we’ve outgrown the small company audit exemption, this has resulted in Stuart heading up three extremely successful external audits. We’ve also migrated billing platforms and seen our profits more than double to in excess of £2.5m per annum.

“A key part of Aspire’s growth and success has been our ability to recruit and retain the very best talent available in the North East. Stuart’s progress is a sign that this isn’t limited to our technical staff, it extends throughout our organisation.

“We were excited to recruit him from a household name such as KPMG, his success in every area since his appointment has led to a unanimous verdict from the Aspire Board to offer Stuart a promotion and a position on the Board. We’re delighted he has accepted and look forward to the next exciting phase in our expansion.”

Established in 2006, Aspire Technology Solutions now employs over 130 staff at its Heworth Hall headquarters and specialises in hosted services, data centre solutions, communications and IT support.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Christie Rae .