Kingston

Bedford Modern School

CEO at FluidOne, CEO at PSU, Chairman at CSA

Reading, United Kingdom

FluidOne, established in 2006, is a market leading network aggregator with services delivered via our award-winning Platform One, which is our software defined national fibre network. I joined the business as CEO in Apr18 to lead an MBO for the next stage in the company’s growth. In Feb19 we secured backing for the management team to invest alongside Livingbridge, a market leading private equity investor, to acquire the company and give us investment firepower to grow the business. My initial plan in 2018 was to become the best quality data connectivity provider to UK businesses. By 2020 with over 30 carriers' and suppliers' services on net with Platform One we are the most connected network aggregator in the UK, making us number one for multi-site customers. Customer experience and high-quality service are at the heart of our strategy, and we have a market leading Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 86 for January 2021 against a telecoms industry average of 35, making us I believe number one for service in UK telecoms. Having achieved my initial plan the board and I have set out a new vision from 2020 to take us over the next 4 years. Our vision is to become the best quality Connected Cloud Solutions Provider to UK Businesses. Taking our market leading connectivity services, delivered via our national fibre network Platform One, our strategy is to acquire quality businesses with skills in IT Services, Unified Communications and Advanced Security, and combine these with connectivity to help customers create multi-cloud and multi-connected environments that are secure and simple for them to use, whilst delivering a fantastic customer experience from end-user to application.Our first major step on the journey to being a Connected Cloud Solutions Provider was the acquisition of PSU Technology Group, which brings on board IT Managed Services and Unified Communications. Rounding out our product set is our investment in Cyber Security Associates.

FluidOne

Established in 2013, Cyber Security Associates Limited (CSA) provides cyber consultancy and cyber managed services which help to detect, protect and educate against the ever-changing cyber threat. We have built our team from a foundation of Government (ex-Military) and Commercially experienced specialists all holding current and relevant cyber certifications. Today our core services are based around a 24/7 Security Operations Centre (SOC) based in Gloucester.In November 2020 FluidOne invested in CSA. This investment in CSA’s market-leading connected cyber solutions further enhances FluidOne’s already attractive Connected Cloud Solutions offering as part of our vision to become the best quality Connected Cloud Solutions Provider to UK Businesses.I act as Chairman for CSA giving strategic advice and guidance to the Directors to support their ambitious growth plans.

Cyber Security Associates

Chairman

On 29th October 2020 leading network aggregator Fluidone acquired PSU Business Technology Limited.I am the CEO of Fluidone and led the team in acquiring PSU. Nigel Davies, the owner and MD of PSU up to the point that we acquired, stays on in the role of Technical Director for IT Services helping us to grow the business and combine its services with Fluidone's as part of our Connected Cloud Solution Provider strategy.Founded over 30 years ago, PSU is a £6m revenue business providing IT Managed Services, Mitel UC, Connectivity, Mobile and Telecoms Services to a loyal base of over 450 customers, with expertise in solution sales to the mid-market, and a team of 38 staff. A strong focus on quality and delivery of excellent customer satisfaction is central to the PSU strategy with an NPS score of 83 for the first half of 2020, which aligns perfectly with FluidOne, who achieved an NPS score of 80 for the same period.

PSU Technology Group Ltd

The multi-billion-pound primary and secondary ticket markets are dominated by big companies who effectively control the pricing and distribution of tickets often to the detriment to true music or sports fans. These fans are often priced out of the market and / or charged excessive fees. Vibe Tickets offers an alternative, allowing fans to use the Vibe app, to buy and sell tickets transparently at face value or less.  Vibe was a finalist in the recent Virgin Media Business "VOOM 2016" competition which won them the support of Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Media who are continuing to provide promotional support to Vibe.I am an early backer of Vibe and have also invested via the Crowdcube funding round.

Vibe Tickets

Investor

<a href="http://Elitetele.com">Elitetele.com</a> plc acquired Support Span Group Limited (trading as HighSpan) in January 2018. I am a Director of the business, and support the management team ensuring we leverage assets from across the group and deliver best service and product range to it’s clients.This acquisition brings a strong Mitel and Splicecom experienced team in house at <a href="http://Elitetele.com">Elitetele.com</a> allowing us to better support and deliver pbx solutions to our group wide clients.Working as part of the Elite internal M&A team, I played a key role in the integration planning and due diligence of Support Span, and the strategy for post-acquisition.Founded in 2002 HighSpan (Support Span) is a specialist provider of converged Voice and Data networks, with expertise in IP Telephony, Local Area Networks and Carrier Services.HighSpan stay ahead in this complex environment by monitoring emerging technologies and working closely with major manufacturers and service providers.My role ended when i moved from <a href="http://Elitetele.com">Elitetele.com</a> plc to FluidOne

Support Span Limited

Director

<a href="http://Elitetele.com">Elitetele.com</a> plc acquired Nexus Telecommunications in May 2017. I am a Director of the business, chairing the monthly management meetings and ensuring we leverage assets from across the group to aid the Nexus management team and deliver best service and product range to it’s clients.Working as part of the Elite internal M&A team, I played a key role in bringing the Nexus deal to the table, negotiations, due diligence, sale and purchase agreement, and the strategy for post-acquisition.Formed in 1999, network operator “Nexus” provide a full range of business communications solutions via its own and partner tier 1 network’s. This status of “multi network provider” allows it to deliver the right solution based on actual customer need rather than the limitation of a single network offering.These services delivered with a fully managed approach with the core product being enhanced and developed by nexus design and technical staff creates solutions that allow customers to benefit from the growing synergies between Business and communications solutions.This approach not only delivers services that provide added productivity and profitability for customers but also provides solutions that support their current and next phase of requirements helping to future proof their business communications strategies.Nexus have a culture of service excellence, flexibility and customer choice under pinned by its bespoke customer care, billing and customer information systems enabling the highest levels of quality, service and support at all times.My role ended when i moved from <a href="http://Elitetele.com">Elitetele.com</a> plc to FluidOne

Nexus Telecommunications Ltd

<a href="http://Elitetele.com">Elitetele.com</a> plc acquired Netcentrix on 30th June 2016.As part of the Board team at Elite I devised the strategy for acquiring IT services to add to our telecoms portfolio, reviewed several target companies, played a key role in negotiating the sale and purchase and carrying out due diligence, and I led the integration planning. Having acquired the business I am a Director of Netcentrix and I am involved in leadership, strategy, product management, corporate governance, integration, and ensuring we deliver on our plans to cross sell into our group client base.NetCentrix designs, implements and manages enterprise IT solutions and aims to create strong business value from your IT infrastructure. We develop close working relationships with all of our customers and deliver projects that have to meet precise business objectives. In short, we provide innovative, cost-effective solutions, on time and within budget.From qualified consultancy, deployment and integration, through to system support and managed services, NetCentrix makes your IT investment an easier, less stressful process. More importantly, we help customers realise the true benefit of IT to their organisation.

NetCentrix Limited

<a href="http://Elitetele.com">Elitetele.com</a> plc acquired SystemHOST on 30th June 2016.As part of the Board team at Elite I devised the strategy for acquiring IT services to add to our telecoms portfolio, reviewed several target companies, played a key role in negotiating the sale and purchase and carrying out due diligence, and I led the integration planning. Having acquired the business I am a Director of SystemHOST and I am involved in leadership, strategy, product management, hosted platform design, corporate governance, integration, and ensuring we deliver on our plans to cross sell into our group client base.The SystemHOST Total IT Managed Service is effectively a complete outsource of your entire IT function. This approach to the delivery of IT within your business removes the hassle and stress of delivering IT yourself. At SystemHOST, our approach to outsourcing your IT is simple, the service is charged on a per-user-per-month basis, which can grow and shrink as your business requires, ensuring you don’t overspend on IT projects that are not required or not fit for purpose.The SystemHOST Total IT Managed service includes:-•	Free professional technical consultancy on all of your IT requirements•	Hosting of all your server and system infrastructure within our dedicated secure data centre•	Award winning support service providing remote and onsite support•	Fibre leased lines and superfast fibre broadband services•	Highest levels of data security with new firewalls plus Anti-Virus and Anti-Spam protection•	Delivery of all your data and applications through secure Hosted Desktop•	Access to your data and applications from anywhere on any device•	Managed updates of all your software applications•	Software licences•	Managed data backups with offsite replication and storage for disaster recovery protection•	Cost-effective Voice & Telephony solution to fit your business needsSystemHOST are accredited for ISO27001 and ISO22301

SystemHOST Ltd

I started with EliteGroup (trading name for <a href="http://Elitetele.com">Elitetele.com</a> plc) in July 2014 at an exciting time for this fast growing unified communications provider. I joined the board as COO for the Group with responsibilities including:-- Supporting the Board with defining strategic objectives, growth plans and acquisition strategy,- Integration planning and delivery, - Networking for acquisition targets, valuation, due diligence, sale and purchase negotiations, management of successful earn outs.- Managing, facilitating, and measuring broad and complex change initiatives and projects- Leadership and coordination of product strategy, including pbx, IT services, mpls network and data centre- Strategic supplier relationships- Direction of operational teams- Group ITIn my first 3.5 years with the business revenue nearly doubled to £57m through both organic growth and acquisitions without share dilution and low net debt, materially increasing shareholder value whilst also delivering major improvements in customer satisfaction (NPS) and staff culture/retention.At Elite, our mission is to help businesses grow and improve performance through the powerful provision of bespoke technology and communication solutions. Our vision is to be the communications supplier and employer of choice.We are the only unified communications provider to be featured four times in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100, which recognises the fastest growing technology companies in the UK. Elite Telecom is a Swyx Gold Partner, Microsoft Gold Partner, Vodafone Platinum Partner of the year 2016, and Chess O2 Partner of the Year 2016.We employ over 165 staff members across seven offices, delivering services to 7,500 business clients. Customers include, Merlin Entertainments Group, P&O Ferries, Intercontinental Hotels, Persimmon Homes and one third of the Premier League football clubs.

Elite Group

Chief Operating Officer

<a href="http://Elitetele.com">Elitetele.com</a> plc acquired Qualitel in April 2014.Qualitel has particular strength in Mobile services and is run as specialist division within Elite. Having joined Elite in July 2014 part of my role is to oversee the divisions, chair monthly board meetings for Qualitel, offer strategic advice, and importantly ensure that we leverage group resources to best advantage across the divisions. I am a Director of Qualitel.Qualitel are experts in all areas of voice and data communications for business, specifically mobile, fixed line, applications, hosted and connectivity solutions.This puts us in the unique position of being a one stop shop for all of your business communications needs,with in-house expertise to deliver beyond your expectations.As an independent provider, we are best placed to offer the advice that you need in order to make the best communication decisions for your company needs. We will not only save you money in the short and long term, but also act as a long term partner for advice and guidance.In August 2016 Qualitel were awarded Platinum Partner of the Year at the Vodafone Partner of the Year Awards.Vodafone has around 220 partners across the UK of which just approximately 12 have platinum status. The award criteria was based upon Qualitel’s capability and strength across multiple solution streams including mobile and fixed line services (in particular IPVPN and OneNet).Qualitel's latest award follows a succession of achievements in the period 2014-2016.In 2015 they were promoted by Vodafone from Gold to Platinum Partner status as well as receiving the Gold Partner of the Year award.  Qualitel also announced in April 2016 that they had delivered record financial results since forming in 2003.In March of 2016, Qualitel were awarded Partner of the Year by leading mobile airtime distributor, Chess Telecom, through which Qualitel connects its customers to the O2 network.

elitetele.com mobile (formerly Qualitel Voice & Data)

In June 2013 <a href="http://Elitetele.com">Elitetele.com</a> plc acquired 21C Telecom.Having joined Elite in July 2014 I also became a Director of 21C, chaired the monthly board meetings, managed the earn out period with the vendors, and I oversee the mobile product strategy for the group joining together the best practises from Elite, 21C and Qualitel.

21c Telecom Ltd.

<a href="http://Elitetele.com">Elitetele.com</a> plc acquired Modern Communications in February 2014.Joining Elite in July 2014 part of my role is to oversee divisions and I played a key role in managing the earn out period with the vendors of Modern to ensure a "win win" for both Elite and the Vendors, I became a Director of Modern, chaired the board meetings and oversaw the integration into Elite that completed by January 2015. It now operates as a fully integrated part of Elite, no longer as a separate division.

Modern Communications

Joining the team at IP Integration from December 2011, responsible for internal IT, software development, product strategy/management, acquisitions, and our CTI labs product development. I also ran our IT Services Division acquired in May 2012, Micropoint Managed Services Limited.IP Integration is a high service company specialising in complex call centre solutions to medium sized businesses. We are an Avaya Gold Partner, Microsoft Gold Partner, and a VMWare Professional Partner.CTI Labs combines technical expertise in both CTI and IVR technologies with an understanding of how organisations provide service to their customers and transact business. This has enabled us to create packaged applications that allow our customers to rapidly deploy technology to change their business.Major head office building move delivered in March 2012 - excellent centre for hosting and training clientsNew dashboard version of our i360 product designed and launched in May 2012First acquisition on roadmap completed in May 2012, Micropoint Managed Services LimitedMajor private cloud managed service pci mute and unmute software for 8,000 agents, contract won and delivered 2013

IP Integration

Chief Information Officer

Joining the board of Daisy Communications Ltd in September 2009, part of Daisy Group Plc, one of the fastest growing companies in the UK.I had P&L responsibility for Daisy’s mobile solutions division, which included the service provision businesses acquired from Redstone, Aerofone and BNS, totaling £24m turnover, with 46,000 mobiles under management.  Within this role I developed the strategy for mobile solutions and negotiated materially improved commercial terms with the mobile networks.In addition to running the mobile business I was project sponsor for the complex migration of Redstone from its London offices to a fixed deadline involving 105 staff, and contributing to £18m of run rate synergies for the acquisitions to March 2010 for Daisy.I also managed the sale of the Freedom4 Wifi business, and assisted Matt Riley the CEO with the strategy for selling the Freedom4 Wimax business.In addition I also aided the Group by carrying out due diligence on potential mobile acquisitions and developing the strategy for integration of those acquisitions, including Spiritel Mobile.Following a decision to restructure mobile within Daisy, changes to planned locations and new acquisition projects my role was made redundant at the end of November 2010. I then took the role of Consultant Project Director working from my GroValue business from December to March 2011, my key project running to the end of March being the acquisition of the Vodafone mobile service business of Outsourcery, a managed service provider, for a cash consideration of £12m. This is a £23m turnover division and makes Daisy Vodafone's largest mobile managed service provider in the UK.Daisy continued to be a client of GroValue, with ongoing consultancy assisting them with mobile specific project work up until August 2011.Daisy Group plc was a leading service provider of unified business communications services, with over 1000 staff, over 70,000 customers and was over £250m turnover.

Daisy Plc

Commercial Director - Mobile to Dec 10 / Consultant Projects Director from Dec 10

Joining the Board in December 2008 of this fast growing successful business to business telecoms service provider.Responsible for delivering the overall business plan, growing the company towards a planned exit in 3 years time.Aim to build upon current strong teams to deliver market leading systems and services, supporting planned growth and delivering innovation and strong differentiated valued services.From July 2009 changed role to act as a consultant to Arrow for 6 months to December 2009, operating from my GroValue business.In 2011 Arrow became a client to GroValue for 6 months, whereby we supplied a billing manager to support their business.

Arrow Business Communications

Consultant to the Board

Having successfully sold Isis Telecommunications to Vodafone in November 2006, and then sold Flexphone to Vodafone in May 2007, I managed the business for Vodafone as a divisional Director to the end of July 2008, and I was then able to exit the business and set up GroValue Consultants Limited.In 2008 I searched for acquisition targets and this process lead me to meet the team at Arrow and culminated in my investing in Arrow and joining the board in 2008.As of July 2009 I changed role at Arrow to act as a consultant to them for the 6 months to December 2009, this change in role allowed me to take on additional clients, including aiding the start up of a telecoms reseller based in Windsor and joining Daisy Group PLC as a Director.From December 2010 I changed role at Daisy to Consultant Projects Director operating from my GroValue business, my key project running to the end of March 2011 being the acquisition of the Vodafone mobile service business of Outsourcery, a managed service provider, for a cash consideration of £12m. This was a £23m turnover division and made Daisy Vodafone's largest mobile managed service provider in the UK.I then retained daisy as a client working on the integration of the Outsourcery acquisition  until July 2011.From February 2011 I began working upon my own acquisition project, and raised private equity for a buy and build, hence I was actively seeking telecoms and IT resellers to acquire.GroValue also provided project based consultancy and in 2011 we provided billing management resource to Arrow Communications, acquisition support to a logistics buy and build project, software development requirements analysis on a Vodafone project, and business sale advice to a telecoms dealer. In 2011 I met the owners of IP Integration, a strong call centre solutions business with an excellent platform to build organically and via acquisition. This culminated with me joining as CIO in December 2011.

GroValue Consultants Limited

Owner/Director

Established as a division of Isis Telecommunications Management Ltd in August 2003, Flexphone has had major success, press coverage and growth since its inception, winning several FTSE 250 clients and being first to market with mobile phones as a flexible benefit.I was a co-founder of Flexphone and lead the development of the business, its products and the IT systems since inception. I managed this role alongside my responsibilities as Group Operations Director for Isis until we sold Isis to Vodafone in November 2006.In January 2006 Flexphone signed an exclusive deal with Vodafone for the provision of mobile phones as a flexible benefit, including a major investment from Vodafone. Following a successful period of partnership Vodafone acquired Flexphone in May 2007, and I agreed to continue to manage the business post acquisition.Having successfully worked for an agreed period post acquisition I was able to exit the business at the end of July 2008.

Flexphone Ltd (Vodafone plc)

Managing Director

Head hunted to a wide ranging role covering IT, Billing, Technical Sales Support and Customer Services. My responsibilities covered the group companies including mobile, fixed wire, in vehicle installations and managed services. In my first year at Isis I lead the redesign of the in-house MoBill billing and customer care system that went on to win at the telecoms World Billing Awards in 2004 and 2005. Main objective of the role was to develop systems and operations to support the growth of the business towards a planned exit. I played a key part in negotiating the successful sale of the business to Vodafone in November 2006. As part of the sale I negotiated my exit from Isis to allow me to continue developing Flexphone Ltd, but I was tied in for 12 months as a consultant to both Vodafone and Isis.Isis was one of the fastest growing companies in the UK (50th in the Sunday Times fast track in Dec 2004).

Isis Telecommunications

Group Operations Director

Working on the ntl outsource specialising in large Telecoms systems integration projects, including wholesale revenue assurance. Role lead projects with multi company teams of over 50 staff, reporting to the ntl Group Board, and included redesigning elements of the IBM Global Method for better delivery of projects within the ntl environment. Whilst at IBM I achieved their top annual employee rating and was added to their "fast track".

Project Manager

Head hunted to this dynamic role in a fast growing company (my COO from Nera was now COO at TV Travel Shop). Established IT strategy, gained Board and Investors buy in, then implemented strategy. Included building a strong in house IT capability, designing and implementing one of the largest integrated home working call centres in the UK at that time, establishing robust network infrastructure and support processes including ITIL, selection and implementation of an outsourced call centre, management of a £6m budget, design and implementation of several key systems and legacy enhancements. Lead successful due diligence of the IT function supporting sale of the business.

TV Travel Shop

IT Director

Head hunted to fast growing new multinational telecoms division of the Madge Group. Services included mobile, fixed line, VOIP, leased lines, international connectivity with points of presence in over 30 countries, and hosting of services such the european backbone for real networks video streaming. My role was to manage the design and implementation of key UK systems, build a team and then role them out world wide as the company grew. This included leading the first multicurrency implementation of the Geneva Billing system (the core system version was still only single currency at the time).

Madge Networks

Commercial Systems Manager

Nera was the largest provider in the world of satellite telecoms services at the time. My role was responsible for the day to day running of airtime billing, customer services, tariff design, decision support, and sales support. I was also responsible for leading the successful design and implementation of a complex multi currency billing system supporting world wide suppliers and customers. I was also part of the UK Division senior management team advising on corporate strategy and projects, including part of a team seeking investors and going through due diligence.

Nera

Airtime Billing manager

Securicor owned 40% of Cellnet at the time. This was a rapidly growing company in my period of employment growing from 100,000 mobile subscribers to 440,000, with a turnover of £220m and 550 staff. I achieved rapid promotion within the finance team and managed several key responsibilities and projects including - Business Planning supporting the Board, annual budget management for the company, monthly management accounts, decision support systems design and implementation, marketing segmentation analysis of clients, lead the sale of certain business units, played a key role in the final sale of the base to Martin Dawes and Cellnet and closure of the company, being one of the last 10 employees to leave.

Securicor Cellular Services

Business Planning Manager

Wide ranging role reporting to the Managing Director. Responsible for finance, HR, office management, pricing, stores and stock, and IT. Included taking the company through a successful sale to Halma PLC.

Russell Horton