North East Venture Fund

Former Sage CEO joins Newcastle tech firm

Notify Technology – the Newcastle-based health and safety software business – has appointed former Sage executive Jayne Archbold as Chair as it gears up for international growth.

Jayne has over 30 years’ management experience, having spent 18 years with Sage plc, latterly as CEO of its mid-market European division. She is currently CEO of Swedish-based international software firm Iptor Supply Chain Systems and also a Non-Executive Director of HR software firm Saberr.

Notify is backed by the North East Venture Fund (NEVF), supported by the European Regional Development Fund and managed by Mercia Fund Managers. Its software platform allows organisations to manage health and safety and aims to reduce workplace accidents.

Jayne said: “Notify’s vision is to create a safer, healthier world by providing simple, smart, secure technology. This is an exciting time to join the business and I’m looking forward to working with the team to innovate at every level.”

Duncan Davies, CEO of Notify Technology, said: “Jayne is a proven technology leader. Her understanding of the compliance software market and experience of working within high growth companies across international boundaries will help us to drive the business forward.”

Notify received a £500,000 investment from the NEVF in November 2018.

Jan Oosthuizen, Investment Manager with Mercia which manages the NEVF, said: “Notify has made significant progress since our initial investment and its software platform is now being used internationally, and in six different languages. We have worked with the company to identify Jayne, and are impressed with what she will bring to help the business reach the next stage of its growth.”

The NEVF can invest up to £1.0million for firms in Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear, particularly those which are engaged in innovation or developing disruptive business models. Funding is available to all companies with high growth potential and also pre-start enterprises.