GTS Solutions CIC is pleased to announce the strengthening of its board with the appointment of corporate finance specialist, Stephen Paterson.
Stephen takes up the position as a non-executive director with the UK’s leading social enterprise – the only fully accredited social enterprise operating in the private security industry – and brings a wealth of experience to the role.
For the past 5 and a half years he has been a director with Quest Corporate in Edinburgh.
GTS Solutions was named in the UK’s top 100 social enterprises for the second year running earlier this year and chief executive Chris Thewlis has brought Stephen on board as part of the company’s strategic growth plan as it focuses on its converged security model.
Established in 2012, GTS has recently expanded into cyber security and has partnered with market leading Swiss firm Lucy Security. It is also the only social enterprise to partner with global security surveillance and IoT equipment firm Axis Communications.
“We are delighted to get someone of Stephen’s experience and calibre in the industry,” said Mr Thewlis.
“There is no question he is an expert in his field and is widely respected. His track record speaks for itself.
“He will play a key role as we continue to grow the company. Having Stephen on the board puts us in a strong position to implement our business plan going forward and I’m looking forward to us working together.”
Stephen said: “I have watched GTS grow significantly over the last 18 months and met Chris during that period.
“I had given him various ad-hoc financial advice as he grew the business and it has grown to the extent that now it has to strengthen its board, particularly on the financial side.
“I am very pleased to be working with GTS Solutions and I look forward to the journey ahead as we build on the success to date.”
The board of GTS Solutions now sits at five with Stephen joining Chris, operations director Tracey Smith who was named in this year’s top 100 women in social enterprise, and non-executive directors Roger Horam and Brian Cameron.
GTS currently works with a number of local authorities in Scotland and can also count Historic Environment Scotland and Multiplex Construction’s University of Glasgow regeneration project among its client base.
The company is currently offering a free HNC cyber security training course which covers a range of topics including computer architecture and ethical hacking. Offered in conjunction with Skills Development Scotland, with funding available for people who meet certain criteria, it is the first such course to be delivered online in Scotland.
GTS has also launched the short course suite ‘Covid-19 safe’, which is tailored to specific business sectors and is designed to ensure individuals and businesses comply with the Health and Safety Executive’s guidance and legal requirements
In a busy period for the business, this month has also seen the first delivery of Scotland’s first online SIA-approved Level 6 remote security officer course, with others running over the summer.
GTS Solutions is also pleased to be currently working with employability groups to support people into work and have four different online blended learning course packages which will help a person become job-ready. These are care, security, construction (CSCS) and hospitality.
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