In the latest of these popular series of features we talk to... GEMMA LEVERS Director, Edricorp.com
Did you always envisage a career in Technology?
Definitely not! From a young age I knew I didn’t want to work in anything mundane and after completing my A levels wanted to work at the National Hurricane Centre in America. I was from a small pit village near Doncaster and my parents encouraged me to go out into the wider world.
I became the youngest ever supervisor for MOTO service stations whilst still in education and had a service advisors’ job at Dixon Motors Citroen franchise in Scunthorpe.
In 2001 I met my partner Grant and moved to Gateshead in 2003 and took a job Springfield Motors. Recession hit a dying trade and I decided to take a career break. This lasted a week! I took an administrative role at a local Telecoms company where I moved through the ranks to become a fully-fledged telecoms engineer.
I think from early on I had a brain suited to technology when I look back!
What attracted you to your current role?
I have known my business partner Richard Frederickson for 13 years and we were good friends. He had an telecoms installation and cabling background and left a leading Hotel chain to become selfemployed.
During the 2020 pandemic I was filling my time doing charity work while on furlough. Richard approached me to form Edricorp and offered me shares. We launched in 2020 and have never looked back.
We are essentially Business Communications and Infrastructure Technology specialists with a mission to deliver reliable infrastructure, connectivity and security systems that add real value to your business.
Despite a hugely challenging period we have gone onto establish Beaver Broadband which is the UK’s hardest working broadband provider and are also soon to launch Black Ink which will offer premium CBD products amongst other products currently in R&D. Also, our newly launched amazing store.
Tell us about your team?
We have a very close-knit staff headed up by Gemma Lumsden our newly appointed Financial Director. Aga Polak-Brachman handles online sales and office administration with Nathan, Jake, Ryan and Finn our engineers.
What tips would you give to anyone looking to work in the industry?
Everything is accessible via the internet so it is easy to develop a skillset. Be inquisitive and take steps and break out of the box. It can be a great career although it would be good to see more women enter this sector.
What are you currently working on?
We deal with the full infrastructure for a variety of both small and large organisations throughout the UK, including a large majority of the pubs and clubs in Newcastle and the surrounding area and we also deal with many hotel chains throughout the UK.
Our work initially has taken us from Aberdeen to Brighton but has now taken us on international business including Orlando, Rome, Barcelona being network support specialist for large scale conferences and exhibitions.
We have also developed an amazing relationship with the Quaife Mini Challenge Exceler8 driver Ronan Pearson part of the BTCC calendar who we proudly sponsor.
What has been your fondest career memory?
Believing in myself and forming Edricorp with Richard. We get an immense amount of satisfaction from looking after the mental health of our staff and instilling self-belief in the team.
What does the future hold?
Very simply to keep building the business and passing the rewards to our staff.
What piece of technology would you be lost without?
My iPhone which I can control the entire business through. Lost without it!
What is the best business advice you have been given?
You don’t know until you try!
Who are your Heroes and Mentors?
My late dad was my hero who gave me my core values and taught me to be humble, thankful and kind. My mum equally, she would never let me quit at anything in life and I will always be forever grateful to them. Also, my business partner Richard who is a great influence and has helped me achieve what I we have today. I could not ask for a better business partner.
How do you like to relax?
Generally, I am very busy but golf has become a passion. I also try to get to every British Touring Motor Race to support Ronan.