Board advisor appointed to Leeds tech and design house

5 years ago

A fast-growing Leeds-based tech and design house has appointed a board advisor.

LightStart, formed in 2016 by Simon Edwards and Dan Akers, builds digital products including mobile apps, web apps and the underlying platforms that drive them. Two years since forming, the firm now has a team of six employees supported by a number of contractors.

Mark Burns joins the rapidly-growing company with extensive experience in business.

Boasting a 29-year legal career including leading two SME law firms, Mark turned his attention to advising the leaders of fast-growing firms as a consultant, non-executive director and Vistage Chair.

As well as adding LightStart to his portfolio, Mark currently works with 25 business owners and key members of their leadership teams. In addition, he holds a-number-of board advisory and non-executive directorships.

With a purpose to enable business owners and leaders to work more effectively, build a strong business and have happier, healthier lives, Mark is well-placed to support LightStart to deliver their ambitious growth plans.

Mark commented:

“I am delighted to be taking on a role with one of the most interesting businesses within the Leeds digital sector. It works at the heart of one of the most vibrant parts of the local and national economy and is responsible for enabling people with great ideas to fulfil their hopes and dreams. Being involved in LightStart’s bright future is a really exciting prospect for a very old dog!”

Co-founder of LightStart, Simon Edwards added:

“Mark brings a wealth of experience and, importantly, passion to help us to execute our ambitious plans to grow on the success we have achieved in Leeds and roll out our events and support to companies across the UK. We are excited to welcome Mark on board and see how he can help LightStart work towards our goals”

LightStart’s client base ranges from digital start-ups through to £60M turnover businesses. The firm is also behind a series of free of charge digital-focused events held in Leeds. The digital design house is currently seeking investment and, with it, plans to roll out their events and tech support to further business communities across the UK.

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About LightStart

LightStart, the digital design house, was founded by Simon Edwards and Dan Akers in mid-2016. The start-up tech firm builds digital products for its clients including mobile apps, web apps and the underlying platforms that drive them. The core team has 45 years of experience building and launching digital products. LightStart are a thought-leader at the forefront of the digital community in Yorkshire and ensure this through its client projects, its labs projects and by running events for the local tech and business community. In 9 months, the company has grown its client base to include 12 businesses from digital start-ups through to £60M turnover businesses. Uniquely, LightStart run free innovative events with an annual calendar of over 50 events, all of which are free to attend. As well as building digital products for clients, LightStart has created LightStart LABS to build its own ideas and get them to market.