Our team comprises experienced industry professionals with many years of analytical and operational experience and are introduced below.

Chris Ballard

Chris is an independent consultant and interim executive, and has acted as CIO of Aria (now merged with Tiscali), the service provider that launched the first national network in Italy using fixed-access wireless broadband technologies.

He has also headed major systems development initiatives at IBM, Telecom Italia, Lucent Technologies, and the TM Forum, where he spearheaded the first Digital Services initiative, to manage end-user devices.  

Chris also led IT deliveries for British Telecom, Siemens, Granite Systems, and Comptel.

Dr. Mark Norris

Mark is a recognised expert on fixed networks and a specialist in the design and management of networks and the services they support. He has a proven track record of technical, communication and strategic skills allied with an ability to work with and influence others.

He has led and contributed to a wide variety of projects in the UK as well as Australia, Bahrain, Japan, Kenya, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia and many other countries. During his time with the UK Telco, BT, Mark led the technical development of the company’s Internet and e-Business products. This work is detailed in two BT branded books – “e-Business Essentials” and “Exploiting the Internet.”  

Dr. Chris Lilly

Chris has been instrumental from the outset in the introduction of optical fibre technology into the UK network as well as internationally. He also has experience in submarine cable systems, wireless and satellite systems.

He has held senior executive positions with BT and systems vendors Nortel and Alcatel. He also created an optical switching start-up company.

He is a recognised international expert in optical fibre communications; and has UK represented the UK within a number of ITU standards body.  Chris has presented and published numerous papers worldwide on optical communications.

John Francis Nolan

John has consulted and led on the delivery of numerous projects/programmes across Europe, MENA, APAC, and the USA. Reporting at C Level, his approach is to take the “lead” and drive through results/change, be they organisational, process, or systems based.  

His early career was with BT, followed by an extended period with the NatWest Bank Group and subsequently with Intercai Mondiale.

John has an interest in how quantum mechanics can be applied to information transfer and suggests interesting times ahead.

Dr. Chris Pollard

Chris has been consulting in the telecommunications and information technology markets for over 30 years.

He delivers in-depth analysis of market demand, competition pressures, regulatory requirements, technology evolution and network developments enabling clients to develop and implement successful strategies in rapidly evolving communications markets based on his:

• extensive understanding of the industry and regulation;
• wide-ranging and varied international project experience; and
• a strong focus on quantitative analysis and modelling.

Candace Bloomfield

Candace has a wealth of procurement experience at senior level coupled with expertise in assisting clients bidding for large contracts.  

She is proficient in OJEU tendering (including the competitive dialogue), contract management, outsourcing, PFI negotiation, partnering, consortia, and has a proven track record in delivering savings from complex contractual environments.

She has specific expertise in turning around failing contracts for clients. Candace is also an assessor for the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.

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