meet our founders

With over two decades of executive leadership across technology, data, and business transformation, Neil stands at the forefront of innovation and strategic development in the digital space. As a Co-Founder of Ignite AI Partners, Neil leverages his extensive experience to guide enterprises through transformative journeys, enhancing their operational excellence and fostering ground-breaking innovation.

Prior to founding Ignite AI Partners, Neil held pivotal roles in some of the UK's most prominent organisations including Halfords Group plc, Jones Bootmaker, Argos, and Rolls-Royce. His tenure at Halfords as Chief Information and Data Officer saw him spearheading major digital and strategic initiatives, achieving significant cost savings and operational efficiencies, and guiding the company through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with record sales and profits.

A visionary thinker and an investor, Neil advises and invests in technology and music startups, drawing on his profound expertise to nurture growth and innovation. He also holds significant roles as a Strategic Advisor for various businesses.

Neil's leadership philosophy emphasises empowerment, strategic foresight, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His approach to business and technology transformation is deeply rooted in practical, results-driven methodologies, making him a respected leader in the industry.

At Ignite AI Partners, Neil is committed to propelling businesses into their next phase of growth by harnessing the power of AI and digital transformation strategies. 

His goal is to not only anticipate the future needs of the market but to actively shape them through smart, scalable, and sustainable solutions.

Craig has held leadership roles across diverse sectors such as manufacturing, logistics & distribution, supply chain, and retail. Over the past decade, he successfully led a business transformation consultancy, partnering with top names like HSBC, Halfords,  Ministry of Defence, Webhelp, and various UK and international businesses to achieve remarkable transformations.

Prior to founding Ignite AI Partners, Craig honed his skills in improving business processes, driving cultural change, and implementing strategic initiatives that helped clients and teams adopt new technologies and ways of working. His approach focuses on combining technical expertise with a commitment to developing people and processes, ensuring businesses not just adapt but excel in evolving environments.

Craig holds an MBA from Warwick Business School, is Six Sigma qualified, and is currently working towards Chartered Director status through the Institute of Directors, underscoring his dedication to continuous learning.

Craig is also an active mentor and community leader. He serves as a strategic advisor for various organisations and his work as an Enterprise Advisor and Chair of the Institute of Directors in Leicestershire and South East Midlands highlights his commitment to community and professional development.

Craig’s leadership philosophy centres on empowerment and innovative thinking. He mentors his teams and clients to think differently, leveraging smart, scalable, and sustainable solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.

At Ignite AI Partners, Craig drives our mission to leverage AI not just to predict future market needs but to shape them, ensuring businesses lead the way in technology adoption.