Data, networking and telecommunications provider Pennine has recruited Stephen Duffy as its new group head of technical services.
His appointment follows the departure of former product and services director Geoff King who has retired following the sale of the business to the Nycomm Group. Geoff joined Pennine in 1984 as a technician and following successive promotions joined the board in 2004.
Stephen worked closely with Geoff prior to the sale and will report to Andrew Roberts who, having led Pennine as managing director, now sits on the Nycomm board.
He joins the Bury-based business from the HE sector and brings a considerable level of technical management and leadership experience from the University of Manchester where he took management responsibility for the School of Electrical Engineering and Electronics’ £200m estate, including the development of its world class specialist teaching and research facilities.
More recently Stephen undertook the role of head of technical services at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he spent nearly six years and was responsible for 200 staff across 35 different technical teams. Stephen influenced the strategic development of technical services as well as expanding the skill bases of employees under his management.
A Fellow of the Institute of Science and Technology, Stephen brings over 26 years’ experience in technology, IT and technical services to Pennine. This has seen him develop substantial expertise in the development of technical service and engineering staff supporting technical and communication resources as they meet the fast changing need of customers.
Commenting on his appointment Stephen said: “I am very much looking forward to working with managers and engineers to further develop Pennine’s technical support capability. Through the knowledge and experience I bring, I aim to make a significant contribution to the continued success of a fast growing business.”
About Pennine
Originally founded in 1976 as a two-way radio specialist, Pennine today offers a broad portfolio of specialist products and services. These span that original two-way radio specialism along with unified communications, mobile telephony, hosted voice and data facilities plus IT support services. Solutions offered under this umbrella include traditional, VoIP and hosted business telephone systems, mobile network and consultancy services; wireless and data networking; and managed services.
Pennine’s client base is equally broad, embracing SMEs, public and local authorities and internationally renowned Blue Chip businesses. An award-winning company employing around 75 skilled staff and accredited with the Investors In People Silver Standard, Pennine turns over in excess of £7m annually.
In December 2016 Pennine was acquired by Salford-headquartered Nycomm, joining the group’s Nimans, Rocom and Videonations brands.
