Roger originally trained as an optician before a chance meeting with the owner of Team Telecom changed everything. Inspired to join the industry, he has since spent more than 30 years working in, buying and selling businesses. Roger started as an apprentice and began building a career in an industry that would shape the rest of his life.
Roger’s path took him to Videotron, where he was asked to build a team in South East London tasked with laying Cat 5 cabling and telephony services. That became one of the largest and most successful dealer channels at the time, and soon Roger was headhunted across the industry. In 2001, he joined Paul Bailey’s Worldwide Group, became a shareholder, and was later part of its £35m sale to Daisy in 2005.
Roger went on to build his own company, which he sold to Nine Telecom – an experience that taught him as much about how not to sell a business as it did about success. With a thirst for further growth, he met with Jonathan Rutter – who he’d known in the industry – where a handshake over a Starbucks led to a partnership that has lasted more than a decade. Together, they’ve acquired, built, and sold more than a dozen companies, and they continue to focus on spotting opportunities, structuring deals, and building relationships with sellers.
For Roger, every day is about visualising the next stage: where the market is going, how businesses can adapt, and how Tech Acquisitions can create value. What he loves most about his ‘job’ – which he refers to as simply ‘the way I like to spend my day’ – is the challenge of helping owners decide to take that critical leap and reassure them that it is the right move. Many are so immersed in their business they can often fail to realise it. Roger’s role is to guide, structure and give clarity – ideally with a quick turnaround.
Outside of ‘work’, Roger is a father of six and a grandfather of one. He’s been playing golf for over 20 years, although doesn’t get out as much as he’d like to. He has previously trained in martial arts (earning himself a 2nd Dan in Thai kickboxing), and enjoys time with friends & family. Based in Huddersfield, he’s now preparing for his next new chapter – in Dubai – where he will be exploring further opportunities for growth.