Emerge Digital appoints former Gloucester Rugby player to business development role

Cheltenham-based technology consultancy, Emerge Digital, has announced that Mark Atkinson, former Gloucester Rugby player, is joining the company as its new Business Development Director.

The hire rounds off a year of rapid growth for the company, which closed out its financial year with revenues reaching £3 million—an increase from £2.2 million in just 12 months.

Recent figures from a UK government report indicate that the Managed Services Providers (MSP) market is growing at an estimated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12% to 2027, meaning that Emerge Digital is outpacing the industry average currently with a CAGR of 33%.

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Mark, who also holds a business development role at Gloucester Rugby, will be focusing on unlocking opportunities in new markets, as part of Emerge Digital’s two-year growth plan to continue its trajectory and double its revenue by 2026.

Emerge Digital rebranded in 2022 and updated its business offering to encompass a full suite of technology solutions including outsourced IT support, cloud services and cyber security. Since then, its revenue has grown 77% and its client base has expanded by 45%, serviced by a growing team of 20 staff members.

After joining Gloucester Rugby in 2014, Mark played 168 times over a ten-year period for the club, while also being called-up for the Barbarians and England Rugby.

Having recently made the transition from sport to business, Mark said: "Since leaving the game, I’ve wanted to challenge myself in a new industry, and what better industry than technology. Emerge Digital’s growth and determination piqued my interest, and I’m excited to bring my experience and drive to this new role. My existing relationship with Emerge through their partnership with Gloucester Rugby made this the perfect fit."

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Mark’s hire also coincides with the sixth year of Emerge Digital’s partnership with Gloucester Rugby, a relationship which has seen the club enhance match day experiences for 250,000 fans, as well as staff and shareholders, by investing in new, state-of-the art technology, with the help of Emerge Digital.

Nigel Church, CEO of Emerge Digital, added: "Transferring ambition from sport to business is a natural progression. Businesses thrive with ambitious, intelligent individuals who are driven by clear goals. Mark exemplifies these qualities in every respect.”