EVOLVE BG - Key Persons


Adam Cole

Job Titles:
  • Development Director
Adam joined Evolve in August 2010 from Michael Davis & Associates Ltd., a company engaged in the procurement and fulfilment of promotional products and marketing POS for various well-known global brands, where he worked as a senior software developer contributing to the delivery of a SAP-integrated internal solution. Adam is an ardent supporter of reforming the conventional education system. Adam's primary value and continuous self-improvement is his commitment to lifelong education. Prior to assuming this position, Adam held several subordinate positions while he taught himself the concept of software development. Adam has vast experience in software development and designed the custom guest WiFi system for Evolve, which supports over 5 million connections per year. Adam and his colleagues also created a custom "internal" system that powers our 24/7 support team.

Adrian Thirkhill - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Non - Executive Chairman
Adrian is an accomplished technology and telecoms executive with over 20 years of leadership experience. He was CEO of GCI, a leading UK IT and communications company, from 2015 to 2019, where he drove innovation and growth. Prior to that, Adrian served as Managing Director of Easynet Global Services, improving customer and employee satisfaction while delivering long-term financial value. From 2000 to 2008, he held senior roles at COLT Telecom, overseeing operations across 10 European countries. Adrian is known for his ability to build and lead multicultural teams, fostering both customer and employee satisfaction. His expertise lies in strategic leadership and operational excellence to drive lasting financial success.

Alan Stephenson-Brown - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer
Alan Stephenson-Brown is a seasoned telecom, network security, and payments expert with extensive international experience across 28 countries. He has driven significant business growth, securing major contracts with Barclays, the Royal Bank of Scotland, and Tesco, as well as co-founding TNS. Alan has held key roles, including leading Tuxedo Money Solutions and heading international sales for Phoenix Managed Networks. He is now the Managing Director of Evolve, and he has expanded services to 11 countries and 7,500 endpoints, achieving revenue growth of over £17 million. Throughout his career, Alan has secured multimillion-pound contracts, led the acquisition of 12 companies, and introduced the first PCI Level 1 certified secure network management solution in the UK. He holds a master's degree, is a Chartered Director with the Institute of Directors, and excels in sales, business development, and leadership on a global scale.

Antony Seddon

Job Titles:
  • Senior Network Engineer
Senior Network Engineer at Evolve, Antony has been an integral part of the company's growth over the past three years. Originating as a first-line team member, he has witnessed and actively participated in Evolve's evolution into the robust business entity it is today. His role centres around delivering customer solutions that seamlessly combine simplicity with effective management, all within the framework of stringent security standards. Leading a dynamic network team, they consistently craft optimal solutions for our customers. In the intricate landscape of networking, he takes pride in ensuring Evolve remains at the forefront, providing cuttingedge and secure solutions.

Caroline Oxley

Job Titles:
  • Head of People and Talent )
Caroline Oxley is a dynamic Human Rescourses, Talent and People leader with 25 years of transformative experience. As Head of People and Talent at Evolve and previously at Property Hub, she has built high-performing teams and cultures that drive business growth. Her expertise spans strategic HR leadership, talent acquisition, and organisational culture across diverse sectors. Caroline excels at aligning HR operations with business objectives, developing leadership capabilities, and fostering innovation in modern workplaces. Her leadership is marked by an ability to navigate complex challenges and inspire sustainable success across the UK.

Constance Smith - CMO

Job Titles:
  • Head of Marketing
Constance is an accomplished marketer with diverse experience across B2B industries, including Property Management, Recruitment, Software, Landscaping, Utilities, and Telecoms. Her passion for marketing and ability to adapt quickly make her a valuable asset in any field. With expertise in digital marketing, content creation, data analysis, and strategy development, Constance consistently delivers results. Her drive and dedication to her craft inspire those around her, while her knack for personal connection sets her apart in the industry. Always staying current with the latest marketing trends and technologies, Constance develops innovative strategies that drive engagement and boost sales. Her varied background in B2B marketing provides her with a unique perspective, allowing her to make a significant impact at Evolve as the company continues to grow.

Human Rescourses

Job Titles:
  • Talent and People Leader

Imed Berraies

Job Titles:
  • IT Service Desk Manager
Imed started his IT career in 2010 as an IT support technician in Tunisia. From there, he moved on to take on other IT support responsibilities, eventually becoming a senior technical support analyst in 2015. Imed began working for the BCN Group in 2016 as a service desk engineer and advanced fast to the position of support team leader. Imed moved to Manchester to work as a Service Delivery Manager following four years at BCN. Imed has been employed by Evolve since January 2024, and his work as Service Desk Manager is essential to the company's daily IT Support operations.

James Brown

Job Titles:
  • Head of IT Service Delivery
James Brown began his career with Evolve in February 2022 as Service Delivery Manager, since then he has been promoted to Head of Service Delivery ensuring that our customer receive a seamless and satisfactory experience. Prior to his time at Evolve, James worked as a ITSCM & SIP Manager, progressing onto become Desktop Support Consultant.

James Marsland

Job Titles:
  • Provisioning Manager
James is Evolve's Provisioning Manager. With a background marked by four years of hands on experience in broadband technical team leader positions, coupled with eight years of distinguished leadership roles within the Armed Forces, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Throughout his career, he has successfully overseen diverse teams, navigated varied environments, and consistently achieved excellence. His commitment to maintaining the highest standards underscores my professional approach and ensures effective leadership in every endeavour.

Josh Bean

Job Titles:
  • BGF Board Member
Josh brings a wealth of experience from his role at BGF, where he joined as an investor in April 2021. At BGF, he engages in all facets of the investment process, from the initial deal origination to execution and completion, ensuring ongoing support for companies throughout the investment period. Before his tenure at BGF, Josh was part of the Corporate Finance team at Zeus Capital, an investment bank. He advised on a variety of deals, including IPOs, capital raises, mergers and acquisitions, and private equity transactions. He began his career in EY's Transaction Support team, delivering financial due diligence on diverse transaction types and earning his Chartered Accountant qualification. Josh's extensive background equips him with the expertise to effectively support Evolve's growth and success.

Laura Drury

Job Titles:
  • IT Support Desk Manager )
In 2021, Laura started her career as an IT Apprentice, learning the fundamentals of the field and how to provide the highest level of customer service. After completing her apprenticeship, Laura rose fast to the position of Subject Matter Expert, and six months later, she was promoted to Team Leader. Laura took over as Evolve's Information Technology Service Desk Manager in 2023 at the age of 21, overseeing her own team and keeping an eye on the effectiveness and quality of the service desk.

Lee Simpson - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Financial Expert With an
Lee Simpson is a seasoned financial expert with an ACA qualification and a strong track record in finance. As CFO at UK Hire Group, he led a financial transformation, reducing debtor days and driving a 22% annual revenue growth. Prior to Evolve, Lee was Head of M&A at Slater & Gordon, managing divestitures and acquisitions, and at DCC Technology (Exertis), where he contributed to global expansion efforts. At Ainscough Crane Hire, he drove M&A deals and operational improvements, while at Tyco International, he oversaw over 15 acquisitions, further establishing his expertise in global business growth.

Martyn Yih

Job Titles:
  • Head of IT Services
Martyn Yih is an accomplished IT leader with over 15 years of experience in driving operational excellence and delivering strategic IT solutions. Martyn is passionate about streamlining IT operations, optimising support processes, and enhancing service delivery. Prior to joining Evolve, Martyn held key leadership roles, including Director of Managed Services Security Ops at ANS and Director of Support at UKFast.Net Ltd, where he spent nine years advancing IT services and support operations. Martyn's expertise spans cloud computing, IT service management, and customer satisfaction, with a focus on improving efficiency and delivering transformative digital solutions. He holds prestigious qualifications such as MCSE and ITIL, underscoring his technical proficiency and commitment to excellence. Passionate about innovation and leadership, Martyn is dedicated to ensuring Evolve continues to offer best-in-class IT services in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Matty Lee

Job Titles:
  • NOC Manager
Matty began his career as a Senior Sales Assistant in 2013, learning the importance of pace and customer satisfaction. In 2017, he joined Intrinsic Technology (now part of Maintel) as a service desk analyst, quickly advancing to Network Operations Centre Team Leader in two years. This role exposed him to key telecom infrastructure and allowed him to gain valuable experience in ticket and incident management, as well as project rollouts. In July 2023, Matty became a shift supervisor at Evolve, where he focusses on streamlining processes and maximising NOC efficiency while ensuring team satisfaction. A strong advocate for continuous improvement, he is exploring tailored training for NOC team members. Within three months, he was promoted to NOC Manager, leveraging his previous roles to guide the team through a period of rapid expansion and advancement.

Natalie Dugdale

Job Titles:
  • Head of Operations
Natalie is passionate about enhancing employee engagement and brings over 14 years of operations management experience from Marks & Spencer. Her tenure there emphasised the importance of building an engaged team and streamlined operations. Driven by a love for people and processes, she consistently strives to create a dynamic work environment. Natalie holds a degree in English Language and Literature, equipping her with strong communication skills. Her successful senior leadership roles across the North West, including opening a new store in Rochdale during the pandemic, highlight her ability to navigate challenges. She is eager to leverage her expertise at Evolve and contribute to the organisation's growth.

Neil Muttock - Chief Commercial Officer

Job Titles:
  • Commercial Director
Neil joined the telecommunications sector in 2016 as a Partner Account Manager within Talk Talk Business's wholesale arm, following a 10-year leadership career in retail. Neil approaches customer service with dedication and enthusiasm. He understands the importance of excellent relationships for business success and strives to foster a customer-focused culture. Neil actively solicits feedback from customers, implements solutions, and invests in training and resources in order to provide exceptional service that fosters customer loyalty and drives growth. Whilst at Talk Talk, Neil was the custodian for a number of the key wholesale partnerships. This experience positioned him perfectly to transition into the role of Commercial Director for Evolve, where he assumed ultimate accountability for our account management (both with direct and indirect customers) and marketing strategies.

Paul Washington

Job Titles:
  • Director of Strategic Partnerships
Paul Washington has over 20 years of experience in financial services and networking, with a strong focus on exceeding customer expectations. His leadership at Evolve emphasises customer care and sets the company apart. Throughout his career, Paul has held roles from consultant to director in major organisations like Cognizant, IBM, Sopra, and Atom Bank, demonstrating his expertise in the industry. He thrives himself on building strong partnerships with customers, offering strategic guidance to help them thrive in today's evolving business environment. Paul's commitment to tailored solutions and robust partnerships drives Evolve's success in delivering managed network solutions to its valued customers.

Rachel Rowlandson

Job Titles:
  • IT Service Director
In her role as the IT Service Operations Manager, Rachel stands out as an award-winning IT Service Desk Manager with an impressive track record of over 20 years in the IT support domain. Her extensive experience encompasses all facets of IT support services, showcasing a deep understanding of IT infrastructure, service delivery, and customer satisfaction. At the helm of a robust and efficient team, Rachel's leadership is characterised by a commitment to excellence and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges. Her strategic thinking and dedication to continuous improvement have created a collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and high-performance standards within the IT support team. Rachel's expertise extends beyond routine operations; she actively stays informed about emerging technologies and industry trends. This proactive stance ensures that our IT support services remain at the forefront of technological advancements, offering clients a seamless and cutting-edge support experience.

Rebecca Mahood

Job Titles:
  • Compliance Manager
Becky has been Compliance Manager at Evolve since February 2024. She brings extensive experience from ExamWorks UK, where she spent over five years, advancing from Compliance Officer to Senior Compliance Officer. Her tenure there included expertise in legal writing and presentations. Previously, Becky worked at 3D Rehabilitation Limited, progressing from Rehabilitation Administrator to Finance Coordinator. Her diverse roles have equipped her with a robust skill set in compliance, finance, and administration, making her a valuable asset Evolve.

Rob Brown - COO

Job Titles:
  • Operations Director
Rob has extensive experience in the construction industry, previously working at Allied Infrastructure, a specialist contractor in airports, highways, and defense. He managed multimillion-pound projects both nationally and internationally. Starting as a drilling operator in 2001, he contributed to major UK runways and highways, quickly advancing to supervisor, contracts manager, and ultimately operations director before leaving in December 2018. Earlier in his life, Rob served five years in the British Army as a Grenadier Guard, where he honed his business aptitude. His military experience included numerous tours and guarding the Queen.

Ryan Stephenson-Brown - COO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Operating Officer
By virtue of his outstanding efforts and achievements, Ryan has demonstrated that age should not be a barrier to success. In 2014, at just 15, he founded his first Managed Network Services business, which later became part of Evolve. His clear vision, strategic acumen, and entrepreneurial spirit have been pivotal in Evolve's growth, including supporting four acquisitions and building a scalable platform for future expansion. Ryan's expertise spans operations, finance, technology, sales, and marketing, making him integral to Evolve's success. A member of the Institute of Directors, he engages with like-minded leaders for continuous improvement. In 2023, he was named Best Northern Finance Director of the Year, the youngest recipient of the award, and in 2024 he was shortlisted for Great British Entrepreneur of the Year, highlighting his exceptional leadership and achievements.

Sam Bradshaw

Job Titles:
  • Line Support Manager
Sam Bradshaw is an accomplished IT professional who currently serves as Evolve's 2nd Line Support Manager. With extensive experience in IT support and management, Sam specialises in resolving complex technical issues, leading support teams, and ensuring smooth IT operations. His expertise includes network troubleshooting, system administration, and user support, making him a valuable asset to the Evolve team. Sam's leadership skills and technical acumen contribute to the efficient handling of IT challenges, providing reliable support to maintain organisational productivity and technology infrastructure.

Simon Saffidine - CTO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Technology Officer
Simon Saffidine is an accomplished IT professional with over 12 years of experience in IT engineering and technical service delivery. A respected expert on digital transformation, he has a proven track record of delivering tailored IT solutions. Simon joined the Evolve leadership team following a successful career as Director of Technical Transformation at ANS Group, overseeing the integration of software and processes and acting as the technical lead for acquisitions. Before this, Simon spent 6 years at UKFast, the last two years as Technical Director and participated on the board to influence crucial decisions. Simon studied Computer Networking Technology and Information Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, starting his career as an engineering apprentice at Fujitsu Services and Bombardier Aerospace (UK) Ltd.

Stephen Hill

Job Titles:
  • Field Services and Warehouse Manager
Stephen is the Field Services and Warehouse Manager at Evolve, bringing over six years of expertise in optimising field operations, managing inventory, and leading teams. His experience includes scheduling and resource allocation, project coordination, and contract management, as well as working with blue-chip companies and national infrastructure projects. Stephen dedicates himself to ensuring efficient service delivery, maintaining optimal stock levels, and driving continuous process improvements to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Stuart Milroy

Job Titles:
  • Head of Technical Delivery )
Before joining Evolve, Stuart made significant contributions to leading businesses such as Maintel, Adept4 and Avoira, where he successfully delivered a diverse range of projects spanning across all aspects of IT services. Stuart's previous success speaks strongly about his dedication to excellence and his ability to navigate through challenging technical landscapes. At Evolve, we're confident that Stuart's strategic vision and hands-on experience will play a pivotal role in driving our technical delivery initiatives forward, ensuring that we continue to exceed our customer's expectations and maintain our position at the forefront of innovation in the industry.