TWO eminent businessmen have joined the board at Scotland’s largest independent telecoms firm as it prepares for further expansion.
Steve Langmead, former senior vice president of Atos and chief executive of Capita Scotland, will join at Commsworld as a non-executive director in an outward-looking role to help the business achieve the next stage of its growth.
He will be joined in a similar capacity by John Bennett, director with European equities at Janus Henderson Investors and a non-executive director with Rangers Football Club. Both join after Commsworld announced record growth figures exceeding £15 million.
Langmead, who also chairs Brightwater Services and is on the board with both the National Trust for Scotland and YoungScot, cited the importance of public good as a key motive for taking on the role.
He said: “The fundamental reasons for me joining are the great people behind the firm and the sheer amount of good it is doing for Scotland’s businesses and essential public services.
“Ricky and his team were savvy during the recession – and in the years following have built up an incredible business by doing things honestly and properly, providing value and delivering exceptional service.
“That has in turn provided the business with the platform to work closely with local authorities and that is making a real difference to people’s lives. For one thing, it is transforming the way kids are learning.
“Bringing ultra-fast network speeds into schools and libraries will not only bring those benefits to individuals, but it will have an immeasurable impact on Scotland’s future prosperity.”
The duo, who offer combined experience of more than 40 years, will add to an already formidable board which includes Ian Blackford MP, SNP parliamentary leader.
Bennett, who started his career with Clydesdale Bank, says the best years lie ahead for the telecoms firm.
He said: “I’ve had connections and dealings with Commsworld for years and the business has changed enormously in that time.
“What really impressed me in the early days was the way it managed the regression of the telecoms industry while rivals went under – but they survived this tricky period.
“They didn’t overspend, they were cautious, distrusted leverage and knew the importance of a strong balance sheet. This is essential for customers as they like to know they’re dealing with a business that will stand the test of time.
“I firmly believe that the best is yet to come for Commsworld even after the remarkable last year.
“They’ve been able to transition really well, serving the SMEs really well, as well as those in the public sector at a time when others simply aren’t doing so.”
Ricky Nicol, Commsworld chief executive, said: “To land two titans of industry in Steve and John is a coup and we’re thrilled to have their experience to draw on.
“We’re at such an exciting juncture for the business and at a point in time where we are able to plan further into the future than ever before.”
Commsworld’s work on the seven-year Glasgow City Council’s ICT contract, announced in early 2018, will see it now play a major role in transforming Glasgow into one of the world’s most digitally advanced cities.
The £30m deal follows on from similar contracts with City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Borders Council.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here