A leading IT and technology services company serving more than 250 schools, multi-academy trusts and businesses across the UK has made a key new appointment to drive the business forward.
Derby-based L.E.A.D. IT Services, a social enterprise that reinvests profits into the community, supports young people into employment, and delivers a wide range of local volunteering and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, has appointed Chris Edwards as its new Partnership Development Manager.
Chris, who joins the company after exiting a previous business specialising in audio visual and security technology, said L.E.A.D. IT Services and its managing director Lee Jepson were the perfect fit in more ways than one.
He said: “L.E.A.D. IT Services is a company whose values strongly align with my own. It is already doing fantastic work delivering high-quality IT solutions to schools and businesses, and its social enterprise model is making a meaningful difference within the Derby community.
“My role is focused on strengthening and developing partnerships across our existing customer base, including schools, multi-academy trusts and supply partners, while also building new relationships across the Derby and East Midlands business community.
“I’ll be working closely with the team to support continued growth, ensuring we deliver an exemplary level of service, while also helping to expand our reach into new markets across the wider UK.
“The business is built on a strong service-led approach, and I’m looking forward to enhancing partner relationships and supporting the introduction of new solutions that add real value to our customers.”
Chris’s connection with L.E.A.D. IT Services runs deep.
He met the company’s director Lee in a field in the Peak District when both were volunteering for the long-standing and much-loved charity Derby Kids’ Camp, which has been providing free camping holidays for disadvantaged children for more than 50 years.
Having been chairman for many years, Chris recently became the charity’s president – a role he is passionate about.
Lee, too, is a keen supporter of helping good causes through both his work and spare time.
For several years he has worked tirelessly for the charity, as a trustee and leading a team of volunteers to both set up and take down the camp, as well as working with company colleagues helping children who attend enjoy a fantastic week in the countryside.
The L.E.A.D. IT Services team has also supported the charity by setting up and providing vital technology to help the week’s camp run smoothly.
Chris said: “My introduction to L.E.A.D. IT Services really reflects why I value Derby Kids’ Camp so highly. The culture of the business is hands-on, collaborative and community-focused, which really resonates with me.
“I began my career in the commercial world but have always been passionate about supporting the community through my involvement with Derby Kids’ Camp – and that same ethos is clearly embedded within L.E.A.D. IT Services.
“As a social enterprise, the business goes beyond being purely commercially focused. It invests in its people through apprenticeships and career development, while also supporting schools, organisations and charities.
“It’s a great example of how shared values and community involvement can bring people together – meeting Lee while volunteering and now joining the business is a perfect illustration of that.”
Lee said: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming Chris Edwards to join us here at L.E.A.D. IT Services. What can I say – we met in a field, now we’re sitting across a desk from each other!
“It’s very fitting that he has joined us as Partnership Development Manager because partnership is at the heart of everything we do – just as it is with Derby Kids’ Camp.
“We’re really excited about the next chapter for L.E.A.D. IT Services with Chris on board, and everything the months and years ahead will bring.”