A Decade of Service, Leadership, and Advocacy at Forfusion
Steve Long, a former British Army Warrant Officer, recently celebrated a decade of service at Forfusion, where he holds the position of Professional Services Director. Steve’s contributions to the Tyneside-based IT consultancy are significant, particularly his role in shaping its commitment to veterans through the Armed Forces Covenant and the Civilian Work Attachment Scheme (CWA), which he spearheads within the organisation.
Steve’s journey with Forfusion began in 2015, when he transitioned from a 24-year military career into the private sector. His extensive experience in telecommunications, leadership, and project management, earned during multiple deployments including in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, made him a natural fit for the firm’s expanding project management team. In his military career, he held roles such as Communications Manager for over 400 personnel, leading a team of 100 specialist operators, and managing an 80-vehicle fleet.
When Steve joined Forfusion, it was a smaller company with big ambitions. His ability to apply military precision to project management quickly made him an indispensable part of the team.
CEO Steven Forrest notes, “Steve’s calibre and experience are exceptional. From day one, he has helped us strengthen our reputation for high-quality IT service delivery, particularly in sectors requiring secure services, like government”.
As Forfusion grew, so did Steve’s responsibilities. He was promoted to Head of the Project Management Office in 2018, where he played a pivotal role in developing Forfusion’s Project Management as a Service offering and his leadership ensured the delivery of tailored, high-quality solutions to both public and private sector clients.
Beyond his formal role, Steve’s impact on Forfusion extends into the firm’s culture and values. A proud advocate for veterans, he has been instrumental in aligning the company’s ethos with support for the armed forces community, including playing a key role in Forfusion becoming a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant – a commitment to ensuring that those who serve or have served in the UK Armed Forces are treated fairly.
One of his proudest achievements is the establishment of Forfusion’s Civilian Work Attachment Scheme. Many of their employees owe their positions to this initiative, which helps service leavers from the UK Armed Forces transition to civilian careers. Through structured work experience, participants gain insights into IT roles and access training, mentoring, guidance on CV writing, job searching, and interview techniques, with personalised feedback to improve employability.
Under Steve’s leadership, the company was awarded the prestigious Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award, recognising its efforts to support veterans.
Steve added: “I’m passionate about helping others transition from the Armed Forces to Civvy Street, as I know from personal experience how unsettling and uncertain this time can be. I’ve supported ex-forces personnel in my spare time for many years, including advising on career plans, working with them to improve CVs and helping them to take their next steps. Thanks to Forfusion’s support, we can extend this work and help even more people by investing in initiatives like the Civilian Work Attachment Scheme.”
Earlier this year, Steve was appointed Professional Services Director, a role that sees him contributing further to the firm’s strategic direction. His promotion is a testament to his unwavering commitment to Forfusion’s success and the values he has helped instil in the company. As his colleagues and the wider business community recognise his 10 years of service, it is clear that Steve has not only been a driving force behind Forfusion’s growth but also a leader who fosters opportunity and inclusivity.
To find out more about Forfusion, visit: www.forfusion.com