AN independent technology consultancy formed only nine years ago in Newcastle has won a huge new contract with HMRC.

Opencast has been chosen as a partner to help HMRC accelerate its digital transformation over the next two years.

The contract comes as Opencast progresses plans to more than treble in size by 2025, with a recruitment drive to take its team close to 200 people by the end of 2021.

Business growth has accelerated with 55% year-on-year growth in revenues in the last year alone.

Chief executive Tom Lawson said: “This is fantastic news for everyone at Opencast. We are incredibly excited to be moving forward with HMRC as it continues its digital transformation journey.

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“The new HMRC work will have a transformational impact on the Opencast business. This is a massive win for us.”

In its bid, Opencast was able to point to significant achievements in its existing work with UK government departments, particularly in delivering digital services. As well as working with HMRC, Opencast has partnered with the Department for Work and Pensions and the NHS.

Tom explained: “As a business we are all about working together to do the right thing and make a difference. This win allows us to provide further interesting work for our team, offering our people the chance to learn and grow.

“Initially we anticipate that we will be looking for additional roles to put together agile scrum teams, as well as roles in finance, people and operations.”

Opencast was founded in 2012 by co-chairs Charlie Hoult and Mike O’Brien when they met at the gates of a school where their respective twins attended.

Mike’s background is with Capgemini where he was responsible for Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse and Nomura relationships globally.

Charlie, runner-up in the election for mayor of North of Tyne, is also the CEO of Hoults Yard, Newcastle’s only Business Village providing office and industrial space, industrial workspace and home to an eclectic mix of industries, from doughnut shops, indoor crazy golf, wealth managers and recruitment agents.

Steady growth has seen its tenant Opencast move offices four times and there are now more than 100 employees, producing a profit every year.

It is headquartered at Hoults Yard with staff located nationwide, including in Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, York and London.

Its team of specialists work at the heart of government, global finance and growth enterprise with a range of digital consultancy and tech services. The company specialises in developing solutions for government, health and social care providers and global financial services, as well as for renewable energy and regional enterprises.

 

 

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