This week’s North East appointments: Featuring Aspire, Razorblue and more

This week’s round-up of North East appointments includes Aspire Technology Solutions, Razorblue and NEPO . Read on to find out more…

Tom Howard - Aspire Technology Solutions

Gateshead based Aspire Technology Solutions has announced the appointment of Tom Howard as Chief Financial Officer. In this newly created role, Tom will join the Aspire Board to play a pivotal part in steering the company’s financial strategy and help drive its continued growth, both organically and through acquisitions.

Tom brings a wealth of experience to Aspire. As a seasoned executive, he has a strong track record as a commercial CFO in both SMEs and large corporates.

His career trajectory has honed a comprehensive skill set, including an acute understanding of business strategy, finance, leadership, and a proven track record of facilitating growth and acquisitions. Notably, his tenure includes key positions including director at PwC and, more recently, group managing director at leading marketing agency Reprise UK.

He will work closely with the leadership team to develop Aspire’s finance function, ensuring it aligns with the company’s strategic goals and aspirations. His experience in driving growth and maximising financial performance will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in Aspire’s journey towards sustained success in the industry.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Tom said: “I am delighted to join the Aspire team at this exciting juncture. Aspire’s mission to deliver cutting-edge technology solutions that focus on customers, people, innovation and growth deeply resonates with me, as does the positive and high energy culture. I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success.”

Commenting on the appointment, CEO Chris Fraser said: “We are delighted to welcome Tom to the Aspire team. At Aspire, it’s our mission to deliver technology like no other. Tom’s wealth of experience and strategic financial acumen will be invaluable as we continue to drive our ambitious growth agenda.”

George Galloway - Razorblue

A managed service provider which works with over 500 companies across the UK and has consistently grown significantly year-on-year, has created a new role as part of its ongoing ambitious plans: Head of New Business.

Razorblue has welcomed George Galloway to the team, an experienced commercial director with over 37 years in the industry, tasked with developing and deploying new sales strategies and initiatives that ensure razorblue continues to be recognised as a leading managed services, cloud and cyber security provider in the UK.

George commented: “During my career I’ve achieved a high level of success in creating strong client relationships, selling complex products and solutions, and achieving targets through delivering effective programme management, strategic planning and team leadership, so I am confident that I can work with the company’s team to continue its growth.

“I have an in-depth knowledge of public and private sector tender frameworks at all levels which is something I am looking forward to focusing on here at razorblue, but most of all, I’m excited to help onboard new clients and see their continued success being supported by our strategic IT support and managed services.”

George’s experience includes developing a business from a £3m to £20m turnover organisation with £15m recurring revenue, and in his most recent role, achieving a record 60 per cent revenue growth in a 12-month period.

Dan Kitchen, CEO of razorblue, added: “We are always keen to add skilled people to our team and George is exactly that; he brings a raft of experience to the senior leadership team as well as innovative ideas to support our sales and marketing function, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

(L - R): Rachel Bruce and Julie Garvin - NEPO

NEPO has appointed a new communications team to support its ambition to be recognised as a national leader in procurement, technology and social value delivery. Rachel Bruce joins as communications and PR specialist and Julie Garvin takes on the role of communications and marketing officer.

Rachel, who has over six years’ communications experience in local authorities, including Northumberland County Council, will lead the new communications team in achieving NEPO’s ambitions. Julie joins from New College Durham and will support the promotion of NEPO and its procurement solutions, with a focus on marketing everything NEPO does.

Speaking about her new appointment, Rachel commented: “Effective communications and marketing is vital in helping tell NEPO’s story and shouting about the fantastic work we do across the region and nationally.

“Julie and I will support the delivery of the NEPO 2025 strategy, boost awareness of our procurement solutions and opportunities, highlight the significant social value we deliver to North East communities and raise NEPO’s profile, including our team.”

Nicola Shelley, managing director at NEPO, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Rachel and Julie to the team. They bring the expertise needed to help us deliver our ambitions as an organisation.

“As a region, we have a huge opportunity to ensure we are recognised as a national leader in public procurement through the work that we do. Our new communications team will play a key part in achieving that goal.”

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By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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