Lee Murray - Newcastle Practice Lead, Redesmere
Award winning Digital Transformation Practice, in the North East, for the North East
What were your career ambitions growing up?
When I was young, I wanted to be Newcastle United’s number 9 and play cricket for England. Unfortunately, I realised pretty early on that you need a fair bit of talent to do either of those things… talent that I did not possess. (clearly).
As I got older and into my teenage years, I started thinking more seriously about what I wanted to do. I found solving difficult problems interesting, which I suppose has ultimately led me to the career I’m in today.
Tell us about your new role at Redesmere?
I’m leading the Newcastle practice at Redesmere, which means I’m responsible for everything from strategy and growth to building our regional presence and long-term vision.
A big part of my role is working closely with organisations across the North East, both new and existing clients, helping them navigate and deliver their digital journeys.
I am the Redesmere Brand Ambassador for the North East and our Partnerships with Major Systems Integrators.
What services does the company offer?
We’re an independent digital transformation business that specialises in cloud transition, legacy decommissioning, AI enablement and adoption, and delivery of large scale change programmes across both public and private sectors. We operate both on the Client Side to make Projects and Programmes successful managing the clients suppliers to outcomes or as external providers of change and outcomes.
For me, what makes us different is that we’re based here in Newcastle. We pride ourselves on being a trusted local partner that works alongside organisations, rather than simply coming in from elsewhere, delivering a project and moving on.
What are you currently working on?
My main focus, at the moment, is getting out across the North East and meeting with representatives from a wide range of businesses and organisations.
I’m having lots of conversations around challenges they’re facing, their priorities for the future, and how digital transformation can help them achieve their goals. It’s been a great way to understand what’s important to businesses locally and where Redesmere can add real value.
Tell us about the clients you work with?
We currently work with Major Central Government Departments across the UK in addition we work with many of their Arm’s Length Bodies. We also have engagements within Defence, Utilities and Financial Services.
What do Redesmere hope to achieve within the region in the next 12 month period?
Personally, my goal for Redesmere over the next 12 months is to become firmly established in the North East and be recognised as a trusted digital transformation partner across the region.
To achieve that, we need to work with local organisations, helping them deliver meaningful digital change. We also want to grow our team, creating high-skilled employment opportunities for people across the North East at all stages of their careers.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Two pieces of advice stand out immediately…
1) If you’re afforded an excellent opportunity, say yes and believe in yourself!
2) Qualify what value I can add at what pace and recognise quickly where I cannot add value and communicate the reasons effectively.
What has been your biggest challenge so far at Redesmere?
Good question… on reflection I’d say the biggest challenge has been making sure we focus our time and energy on things that will deliver the most value. Starting with a blank North East canvas is very exciting, but it also means there are countless opportunities competing for your attention.
Redesmere have been operating in Central Government within Newcastle for the last 10 years and our expansion here is to use the lessons we have learned to be highly efficient and precise to ensure that we bring our mantra to life delivery in the Northeast for the North East.
We’ve now finalised a clear strategy for the region, centred on being visible, accessible, and accountable to our clients. Our aim is to be a genuine partner that delivers lasting value, rather than another consultancy that comes and goes.
Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
My Dad has always been, and still is, my hero. Growing up, he was always there for us, and now that I’m older, I appreciate how hard he worked to be able to be a present father, while also trying his best to provide the best he possibly could for his family.
Outside of that, I’ve got a few sporting heroes too, the main of which being Tynesides greatest son, Alan Shearer.
How do you unwind outside of work?
I’m not sure “unwind” is the right word, it’s probably more stressful than work itself…I’m a season ticket holder at Newcastle United. I’m also a keen cricketer and captain of Greenside Cricket Club 1st XI (we just got promoted by the way!).
Favourite Book and Boxset?
Interesting fact…I’ve never actually read a book. That’s not for lack of trying, I’m quite badly dyslexic so the written word has never really been my best friend. However, I’ve recently started listening to audiobooks and podcasts, and I’m a regular listener of The Rest is Football and Tailenders podcasts.
For boxsets, I’ve recently rewatched Vikings which gets better each time, and I’ve just restarted The Sopranos for what must be approaching the millionth time, so I’d say one of those two are my favourite.
redesmere.com
lmurray@redesmere.com