Andrew will take over from RTC North founder, Gordon Ollivere MBE, as Chief Executive on November 1st 2016.
With a 30-year track record in marketing, sales, business development and general management, Andrew has been appointed to oversee the growth of the company and develop services to companies across the Northern Powerhouse.
Set up in 1989 in Sunderland, RTC was one of 12 Regional Technology Centres established around the country to help businesses develop new products and services by accessing expertise within regional universities.
Today, the company employs 65 people at offices in Sunderland, Leeds and Daresbury (Cheshire) and delivers a mix of technology transfer, innovation and growth programmes for small business.
The company currently delivers funded business support programmes including Innovate2Succeed, Designing Better Business, Enterprise Europe Network and NHS Innovations North.
RTC also supports the skills agenda and is home to one of a new network of STEM Ambassador Hubs set up to help promote careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths by engaging volunteer ambassadors from industry in school visits.
RTC has recently acquired Service Network, the North East’s voice for the professional, creative and technical sectors.
In 2016, RTC also launched a series of short course training masterclasses designed to help companies with everything fromBusiness Strategy and Making Innovation Happen to Understanding Your Export Potential.
Outgoing CEO, Gordon Ollivere MBE, said:
“Although our services are very diverse, ‘smarter use of technology’ in business and society remains at the heart of everything we do. Of course I will miss the variety and the stimulus of working with such intelligent people but I am confident that Andrew will lead the company forward to achieve even greater success in the future.”
Andrew Buckley added:
“I’m delighted to be joining RTC at an exciting time in the organisation’s development. With a strong portfolio of business support programmes, complemented by a growing range of commercial services, RTC is well placed to help businesses across the Northern Powerhouse to innovate, improve their competitiveness and access new markets”.
Also home to the North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC), the North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA), Design Network North, RTC moved its headquarters to Loftus House, Sunderland earlier this year and has opened a high quality training and events venue on site.
The final phase of its office development is to open a Sunderland hub for professional service companies and independent consultants looking for office and co-working space in a modern development with excellent transport links and parking on site.