Intercity has appointed James Pearse as its new Chief Technology Officer to shape the Bolton-based firm's technology strategy as it targets £100m in revenues by 2030. Pearse brings over 20 years of experience from high-profile roles at organisations including Microsoft, Atech Cloud, and Open Systems. He aims to expand the company's CTO office and shift the technological focus toward productivity, resilience, and AI transformation. The appointment follows a period of growth for Intercity, which recently completed a £1.8m platform investment and doubled its revenues from £25m to £55m since 2023.

James explained: “Intercity are at a really exciting stage of the journey and at a time where the market is changing quickly. Customers are trying to simplify their technology estates, strengthen security, modernise how people work, control cost and understand what AI really means for their business.”

He continued: “This creates a huge opportunity for a partner like Intercity. What excites me is that we are not starting from scratch - we have all the ingredients to become much more than a supplier. My aim is that we become a strategic technology partner to customers who want practical advice, strong delivery and someone who can help them make better decisions.”

Charlie Blakemore, CEO of Intercity, welcomed the appointment: “James is one of our sector’s leading experts, so this is a significant appointment for our business and highlights our determination to help our customers ‘do more’ through technology. His immediate focus will include strengthening our technology vision, accelerating innovation, supporting our managed services strategy and ensuring we continue to build on our strong relationship with Microsoft.”



Falcon Fox Developments has appointed Alfred Lane as project manager for the Vaux Housing Development, a flagship scheme in Sunderland city centre delivering 93 sustainable homes. Lane, from Washington, brings 40 years of construction expertise to the role, having previously served as a senior project manager for Graham. In his new position, he will oversee day-to-day site management, work closely with site manager Darren Talbot, and manage subcontractors and resources to keep the project on schedule and within budget.

Falcon Fox director Duncan Bowman said: “We have some important milestones coming up at the Vaux site including the erection of the timber frame which will span 52 new homes. Alfred will be a valuable and highly experienced addition to the Falcon Fox team. He will help oversee the project, manage sub-contractors and be a key client liaison contact.”

Alfred said: “I am delighted to work on what is a flagship project for the city of Sunderland. We have a strong team in place and I’m looking forward to overseeing the project and marking the many milestones along the journey.”



Leeds-based technology consultancy Iridium has strengthened its team with the appointments of Phil Strong as Delivery Practice Lead and Rick Falkingham as Quality Assurance Engineer. Strong brings over 20 years of experience in complex technology and infrastructure programmes, joining the firm permanently after previously collaborating as a consultant. He will help evolve the company's delivery practice and support major client platform migrations. Falkingham joins the Quality Assurance practice with nearly a decade of software testing expertise across financial services and technology.

Phil Strong said: “Having worked alongside Iridium previously, I'd already seen the quality of its people and the calibre of its work. Joining the business permanently was an opportunity I didn't want to miss. I'm excited to help develop the delivery practice, strengthen how we present our services to clients and support organisations through some of their most challenging technology programmes. It's a fantastic opportunity to build on what's already a highly respected consultancy.”

Rick Falkingham said: “From my first conversations with the team, it was clear Iridium was somewhere that genuinely values its people and its clients. I'm looking forward to working with a great team and helping clients deliver quality software with confidence.”

Matt Pickin, Operations Director at Iridium, said: “Phil and Rick are both excellent additions to the business and reflect our ongoing investment in building a consultancy with deep technical expertise and exceptional delivery capability. Phil brings extensive experience leading complex technology programmes and will play an important role in developing our delivery practice as we continue to grow. Rick further strengthens our Quality Assurance capability, ensuring we continue to deliver the high standards our clients expect across every engagement. As organisations continue to undertake increasingly complex programmes, having the right people is what makes the difference. We're delighted to welcome them both to the team.”



Keighley-based upholstery cushion manufacturer Fibreline has appointed Ian Browne as its new head of finance following a search process led by finance recruitment specialist Headstar. Browne, a chartered management accountant with more than 20 years of experience across manufacturing and fast-moving sectors, joins the family-owned business from events agency First Event, where he served as finance director. In his new role, he will manage the finance team, report directly to managing director and owner Richard Prudhoe, and help drive the £22m turnover company's ongoing growth strategy following a recent factory expansion.

Richard Prudhoe said: “Headstar provided exceptional support throughout the process, with Ian standing out as the clear choice from a very strong shortlist. He brings the perfect blend of strategic expertise, financial acumen and a collaborative approach, and I’m excited about working closely with him to build on Fibreline’s success and deliver the next phase of our growth.”