Peter Kerr

In 1989 Peter was selected for the graduate entry scheme offered by Donavan Data Systems, a Mayfair based IT company that supplied bespoke software applications to the UK advertising and media industry. Peter worked with the IT team in supporting and training users on the mainframe system and local server based accountancy and production systems. Peter moved back to the North East in 1992 and worked with Apple North East specifying and installing pre-press equipment and high end storage solutions into printing firms, large ad agencies and public sector graphics departments. Robson Brown, the largest independent agency in the UK asked Peter to join their IT management team and in 1999 he was appointed IT director for the group. Peter developed a business aligned IT strategy for the agency that created a scalable and flexible IT framework robust enough to support the businesses rapid growth from a turnover of £12m to £48m within 4 years. Peter project managed several large scale ICT projects for the agency including wide area networks and telephony solutions essential to connect the Newcastle office with new satellite offices in Manchester and London. In 2000, his role was expanded to encompass the running of the digital media department for the agency and he worked closely with developers and the agency’s account teams in the delivery of several large scale web development projects for clients such as Northern Electric, Newcastle Building Society and the Co-op. In 2002 Peter joined Ridge Media, a web software development company as a director. The company secured a number of prestigious contracts including an intranet for the iconic Gherkin owned by Swiss Re and touch screen way finding systems for Tower 42, formerly the Nat West Tower. Having sold his shares in 2005, Peter set up 8020, his own consultancy business and has successfully offered IT transformation and digital marketing consultancy to a range of clients throughout the UK. In 2010, Peter became an equity partner of Generate Ventures LLP who offer business coaching to high growth businesses in the North East, and specialises in helping digital businesses and companies requiring independent digital marketing advice.

Recents clients include:

• Groundworks UK
• Infinite Design
• Recite
• MHW
• Infinite Design
• Aspire Technology Solutions