I’m James Geldart, founder of Seven4, and also of Nuvola, a software development business.
After growing up in Essex and then Bedford, I graduated with a degree in Physics with German from UMIST (which has now been absorbed into the University of Manchester), back in 1998. I consider myself lucky to have spent 4 of my formative years in Manchester and Berlin, just as both great cities were experiencing fantastic economic and cultural growth.
After graduating, I was recruited by Cambridge Technology Partners, then a pioneer in rapid application development (RAD) methodology, and a world leader in both the Dot Com boom, and in the rise of advanced enterprise CRM systems. I worked for a year and a half in their Amsterdam office, then a similar period in London, followed by stints in smaller consultancies working on similar CRM projects.
Towards the end of 2003, I started my own business, focussing on bringing the skills I’d acquired with enterprise clients to implementing better systems for small businesses. Additionally, I’ve consultancy to various professional bodies and medium-sized organisations.
I moved from London to North Somerset with my then wife in 2007 to raise our children by the sea.
It’s been a journey, and the software business still chugs along, but my focus now is on using my 28 years of experience to help startups and established SMEs grow their business, and to help medium-sized organisations (and their suppliers) ensure software projects are successful.
Rarely, I think, for a techie, I combine deep understanding of technology with excellent communication and people skills, and an understanding of business. Hence the ‘bridging’ strapline. Helping and developing people is what really drives me.
On a personal level, I’m (re)married to Claire, have two adult children, and a cat. I’m a bit of a news junkie and have a strong interest in current and world affairs. I speak 4 foreign languages, although I don’t get to them half as much as I’d like to. To keep me fit, I row (and cox) Cornish Pilot Gigs for my local club. These are 6-oared traditional wooden rowing boats, originally used to take pilots out to incoming ships off the Cornish coast. I also follow Ipswich Town FC, and Bristol Bears rugby, although I wouldn’t call myself an avid fan of either.
