David Longstaff

Experience

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  Today.com

  Jan 1999 - Jan 2001

  Technical Director

  Oversaw all technical functions for a growing organisation, leading a team of developers and system administrators while driving innovation in CMS development and digital solutions.Key Highlights:► Transitioned fragmented static websites to a unified CMS-based system, improving efficiency and scalability for clients.► Supported organisational growth by negotiating significant sales deals and attracting institutional investments.► Played a key role in designing and implementing technical infrastructure to support rapid company expansion. Show less

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  XPT Solutions

  Jan 2001 - Jan 2008

  Managing Director

  Founded and led a technology firm specialising in web-based applications for public sector clients, successfully negotiating its sale to Newell & Budge. Ensured team morale and smooth integration during the transition.Key Highlights:► Scaled the business by developing cutting-edge web applications tailored to public sector needs, building a strong reputation for reliability and innovation.► Maintained high staff retention by fostering a culture of transparency and ownership during the acquisition process.► Negotiated a successful acquisition deal, positioning the business for long-term growth under new ownership. Show less

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  Sopra Group (Sopra Newell & Budge)

  Sept 2005 - Jun 2009

  Programme & Product Manager

  Managed an outsourced applications team of 100, delivering hosted software for public sector clients, including the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland. Reported to the Divisional Director while driving organisational change during a corporate acquisition.Key Highlights:► Increased efficiency by 30% by unifying siloed developer groups into a multi-skilled team, enabling the acquisition of additional clients without increasing headcount.► Enhanced application delivery for emergency services by overseeing developments in "The Initiative System," fostering partnerships with government bodies.► Migrated ad-hoc hosting solutions into a robust, co-located web environment, improving service reliability for public sector clients. Show less

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  Positive People

  Jul 2009 - now

  Project Manager, Technical Consultant, Trainer, Business Owner

  Provide customised project management and project management training for university, pharmaceutical, financial services, and government sectors, tailored to diverse audiences from entry-level to C-suite executives. As business owner, oversee all operational functions, including marketing, client management, accounting, and web/CMS/LMS development, while supporting clients with project management services.Key Highlights:► Delivered software implementation and training for 10,000+ professionals, including 1,600 staff at a Russell Group university, achieving £10M savings over three years.► Successfully led software implementation and training for a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical client, praised as a "kick-off highlight" by the Global Director.► Grew the business to 150+ clients, including 30 UK universities, through exceptional service delivery and strategic marketing initiatives. Show less

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  IBSA Conventions

  Jan 2011 - Feb 2022

  Project/Convention Director

  Directed annual, multi-million-pound events for 8,000 delegates, part of a UK-wide educational programme attracting 120,000 attendees annually. Managed 16 departments, 47 managers, and 500 staff, overseeing event logistics, including accounting, stewarding, first aid, and accommodation.Key Highlights:► Relocated a 3-day event to multiple campus facilities following a venue fire, delivering seamless execution for 8,000 delegates through swift re-planning and effective communication.► Introduced hybrid project management methodologies, training 47 managers and implementing risk management protocols to streamline event operations.► Enhanced delegate safety by implementing new security measures post-Manchester Arena bombing, partnering with venue management to ensure compliance. Show less