Incoming Peach Technologies Chairman Ian Brown (pictured) says he is focused on intensifying the company's organic and acquisition strategy alongside CEO Darren Scott-Healey who aims to become a dominant force in the SME sector. Scott-Healey says that Brown's considerable industry experience and leadership know-how will be pivotal in achieving their joint objectives.
"I have known Ian for some time and very much value his considerable business skills," he said. "I am confident about our ability to work together to develop Peach into one of the leading IT and telecoms providers for SMEs in the country."
Brown confirmed that there will be no reshaping of the business and said that following his appointment there will be a stronger emphasis on Peach's proven business plan.
"I am very much looking forward to partnering with Darren and his team at Peach as we seek to expand and develop the business through aggressive organic growth and making targeted acquisitions in the coming years," he stated.
Brown is a prominent and much lauded entrepreneur, investor, chairman and outstanding leader who has earned a solid reputation for innovating and growing businesses during his 30 year career in the technology, software, comms and IT services sectors.
He established Axell Wireless in 2007 and turned the company into a world leading manufacturer of wireless coverage and management solutions exporting products to over 150 countries and operating from a network of 16 worldwide offices. Axell was acquired by Cobham for £85m in 2013.
Prior to Axell he was CEO of Redstone, a circa £100m LSE quoted telecoms services provider where he led the rescue and transformation of the group.
In 1995 he created Fastnet Group, a specialist network communications and IT solutions company that was sold in 2000 returning PE investors 10 x money.
Brown is currently Executive Chairman of SecureData, a UK cyber security services and solutions provider backed by August Equity.
Whiteley-based Peach was formed in 2006 and provides cloud, IT, connectivity and telecoms services. It regularly features in the Sunday Times Tech Track and the Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50 league tables.
To mark its tenth anniversary Peach Technologies recently invested £2.5m in its new Whiteley HQ and kicked off a rebranding exercise.
Analysis
Ian Brown's link up with Darren Scott Healey will significantly boost an already empowered Peach Technologies, adding unrivalled leadership clout, business acumen and entrepreneurial flair. The appointment also signals Darren Scott-Healey's clarity of strategic vision, strength of ambition and ability to match key people to his business plan to ensure that Peach realises its long-term intentions in the SME sector. Brown is a consummate deal maker well known in the city for building growth and enhancing value. We see a bright future in 2017 and beyond for this boardroom tie up.