Our founder & Life President Gordon Ollivere MBE.
Gordon Ollivere MBE founded RTC North as a small publicly funded project in 1987 and grew the company into the reputable business we know today.
His business journey started in 1980 when, following 10 years living in West Africa, he returned to North East England where studied computing before working with local manufacturing companies on embedding computing technology and managing organisational change. This led him towards career in technology and innovation support and in 1998 Gordon was awarded an MBE for his services to business.
Between 1999 and 2008, Gordon managed a succession of large SME technology transfer and innovation projects in the UK before going on to advise policymakers on the set-up of similar programmes in the EU, South East Asia and North America.
Gordon retired in 2016, and his son, Jamie, is now CEO. Jamie and the team are continuing to work towards the company mission of helping organisations across the North of England to innovate, compete and grow.
The Foundation.
RTC North was established with a clear vision to support and foster innovation within the northern regions. Since its inception, it has played a pivotal role in aiding businesses to unlock their potential, encouraging technological advancements and spearheading numerous initiatives aimed at regional development.
Early Years.
In the early years, RTC North focused primarily on providing consultancy and support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The organisation quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to excellence and its ability to deliver tangible results. It began to build a network of partners, collaborating with local authorities, educational institutions, and industry leaders to create a dynamic ecosystem of innovation.
Expansion and Growth.
As the needs of the business community evolved, so did RTC North. The organisation expanded its services to include specialized training programmes, workshops, and events designed to equip businesses with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive market. This period of growth also saw the establishment of various sector-specific initiatives, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within different industries.
Present Day.
Today, RTC North continues to be at the forefront of innovation, driving economic development and supporting the growth of businesses across the region. With a dedicated team of experts and a robust network of collaborators, the organization remains committed to its mission of empowering enterprises to achieve new heights of success.
Looking to the future.
As RTC North looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation and regional development. The organisation is poised to embrace new opportunities, continually adapting its services to meet the ever-changing needs of the business community. With a rich history of success and a forward-thinking
approach, RTC North is set to continue its legacy of empowering innovation for years to come.
Our Impacts.
Our commitment to social values at RTC is unwavering. By fostering an inclusive, engaged, and ethically responsible community, we are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future. We invite you to join us on this journey, to inspire and be inspired, and to make a lasting impact through our collective efforts.
£2.57 billion+
to the economy of the North
Raised funds exceeding
£500 million
Supported over
30,000
small businesses
Fostered the development of
2000+
innovative products and services.
Facilitated the inception of over
10,000
jobs.
Our work in STEM impacts
76,000 students annually
and engaging more than
1.2 million
students overall