RTC North
RTC North is an employee-owned, B Corp-certified business support and consultancy organisation delivering publicly funded innovation, growth, supply chain, and STEM programmes to SMEs, startups, and educational institutions across the North of England from five regional offices.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersSunderland, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What RTC North does
RTC North is a UK-based, employee-owned business support and consultancy organisation that delivers innovation, growth, and skills programmes to SMEs, startups, manufacturers, and educational institutions across the North of England (North East, North West, and Yorkshire & Humber). Founded in 1987 by Gordon Ollivere MBE and led since 2016 by his son Jamie Ollivere as CEO, the company transitioned in 2026 to employee ownership through an Employee Ownership Trust and is a certified B Corporation. Headquartered in Sunderland with four additional regional offices (Leeds, Daresbury, Newcastle, Liverpool), RTC North structures its offering around three service pillars — Innovate (innovation strategy, design thinking, funding access), Compete (high-performing teams, operational improvement, STEM workforce development), and Grow (scaleup support, international markets, supply chain development) — supported by named programmes such as Scaleup North East, Supply Chain North / Sunderland / Tees Valley Supply Chain, CyberFirst Horizons (delivered in partnership with NCSC and The Hg Foundation), STEM Hub/STEMFest, and the Northern Spotlights podcast.
The organisation does not develop proprietary software as a core technology; its technical footprint is primarily the Supply Chain Exchange digital portal for buyer/supplier matching, conventional content delivery (website, podcast, social media), and standard enterprise IT. Its differentiation sits in deep regional expertise, a partner ecosystem spanning 10+ universities, NCSC, Accenture, Make UK Defence, NERDSC, and the North East Chamber of Commerce, and a portfolio of credentials including Cyber Essentials Plus, JOSCAR registration, and B Corp certification.
Revenue is generated through publicly funded programme delivery contracts with government departments, combined authorities, and national funding agencies, with some programmes requiring a small business contribution and most services delivered free at point of use to eligible businesses. The model is consultative and advisory-led, with multi-year programme contracts as the primary commercial unit. Cumulative scale signals include support for 30,000+ small businesses, £2.57bn+ in claimed economic contribution to the Northern economy, £500m+ in client funds raised (an outcome metric, not RTC revenue), 2,000+ innovative products fostered, 10,000+ jobs facilitated, and 76,000 students reached annually through STEM programmes (1.2 million cumulative). Revenue is not publicly disclosed.
RTC North firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- RTC North
- Legal name
- RTC North Limited
- Website
- https://rtcnorth.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- RTC North is an employee-owned, B Corp-certified business support and consultancy organisation delivering publicly funded innovation, growth, supply chain, and STEM programmes to SMEs, startups, and educational institutions across the North of England from five regional offices.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
RTC North industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Business Support and Consultancy Services
- NAICS
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54)
- SIC
- Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Digital & Technology Transformation Consulting (BPAHACAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- STEM, Digital Skills & Innovation Partnerships (EDADALAJ), Education Systems & Skills Technical Assistance (BPADAEAI), Emerging Tech (IoT, Blockchain, AR/VR, Edge) Consulting (BPAHAEAL)
Keywords
Where RTC North is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sunderland
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices5 records
Markets served
RTC North business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Publicly Funded Programme Delivery: RTC North delivers programmes funded by public bodies such as government departments, combined authorities, and national funding agencies. Some programmes are fully funded while others require a small business contribution depending on funding rules. Revenue is generated through programme delivery contracts with public sector funders.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid | Multi-year contract | Fully funded programmes for eligible businesses |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
RTC North product offering
Product offeringCore offering
RTC North delivers publicly funded business support programmes across the North of England, helping SMEs, startups, manufacturers, and supply chains to innovate, compete, and grow. Services are organised under three pillars: Innovate (innovation strategy, design thinking, funding access), Compete (workforce development, operational improvement, STEM skills), and Grow (scaleup support, international markets, supply chain opportunities). The organisation also delivers STEM education outreach and podcast content.
Product overview
RTC North is a certified B Corp and employee-owned business support organization offering a portfolio of consultancy and support services across three main pillars: Innovate (innovation strategy, design thinking, finance and funding), Compete (high-performing teams, operational improvement, future workforce development), and Grow (scaleup support, international markets, supply chain development). Key named programs include Scaleup North East, Supply Chain North/Sunderland/Tees Valley Supply Chain, CyberFirst Horizons (in partnership with NCSC), STEM Hub/STEMFest, the Northern Spotlights podcast series, and the Supply Chain Exchange digital platform. The organization primarily serves the North of England including North East, North West, and Yorkshire & Humber regions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Innovate Service
- Compete Service Business support service focused on creating high-performing teams, driving operational improvement through technology, and developing future workforce capabilities. Addresses performance culture, productivity, and STEM skills gaps.
- Grow Service Business support service encompassing scaleup programmes, international market development, and new supply chain opportunities. Helps businesses scale, enter global markets, and connect with supply chain opportunities.
- Scaleup North East A bespoke support programme for ambitious North East businesses with growth potential, providing one-to-one mentoring, specialist consultancy, peer networks, and leadership development.
- Supply Chain North (Sunderland & Tees Valley) Fully funded programme supporting SMEs to access regional, national and global supply chain opportunities, strengthening capability, increasing resilience and driving sustainable business growth. Includes Sunderland Supply Chain and Tees Valley Supply Chain variants.
- CyberFirst Horizons A three-week summer experience programme designed for Year 12 students from social mobility backgrounds, equipping participants with skills, confidence, and insight into the UK's cyber and technology sectors. Delivered in partnership with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and The Hg Foundation.
- STEM Hub / STEMFest STEM outreach programmes connecting schools, businesses and communities through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and the annual STEMFest events. Impacts 76,000 students annually across the North.
- Supply Chain Exchange Portal An online platform where businesses can showcase their capabilities, connect directly with buyers and partners, and access live supply chain, procurement and tender opportunities across multiple sectors and markets.
- Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme Coaching and support programme for entrepreneurs to identify, apply for and secure funding for innovation, helping turn technical concepts into commercially viable businesses.
- Durham Business Growth A tailored support programme for ambitious companies looking to scale, combining one-to-one advisory support, strategic challenge and practical guidance for long-term growth planning.
- Northern Spotlights Podcast A podcast series featuring interviews with industry experts, thought leaders, and successful entrepreneurs sharing insights on leadership, innovation, finance, marketing and technology. Available on YouTube and Spotify.
Quantifiable outcome
- £2.57 billion+ contributed to the Northern economy
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use RTC North
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
RTC North technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
RTC North partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)corePartnership to deliver CyberFirst Horizons programme empowering young people in cyber and digital careers across the North East and Yorkshire & Humber. RTC North delivers the programme in collaboration with NCSC and The Hg Foundation, with site visits and workshops hosted at universities.
- The Hg FoundationcoreCo-funder and partner in CyberFirst Horizons programme focused on social mobility and cyber careers for young people. The Hg Foundation provides funding and strategic support for widening access to cyber education.
- North East Regional Defence and Security Cluster (NERDSC)coreRegional defence and security cluster connecting businesses with defence sector opportunities. RTC North facilitates access to NERDSC for supply chain diversification and sector readiness programmes.
- Make UK DefencesupportingIndustry association supporting defence sector engagement. Turnmill Engineering and other RTC clients have been supported to join Make UK Defence as part of defence diversification strategies.
- Newcastle UniversitysupportingHost venue for CyberFirst Horizons North East programme. Partner in regional STEM education and skills development initiatives.
- UTC LeedssupportingHost venue for CyberFirst Horizons Yorkshire & Humber programme. Partner in regional STEM education delivery.
- North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC)supportingCollaborative partner for events including the 'Getting out of your own way' workshop series. NECC provides networking and business development support.
- Scale Up NortheastsupportingCo-delivery partner for Scaleup North East programme events and workshops, including the 'Getting out of your own way' leadership development series.
- University of LeedssupportingHigher education partner for CyberFirst Horizons Yorkshire & Humber programme, hosting site visits and workshops.
- Leeds Beckett UniversitysupportingHigher education partner for CyberFirst Horizons Yorkshire & Humber programme.
- Sheffield Hallam UniversitysupportingHigher education partner for CyberFirst Horizons Yorkshire & Humber programme.
- University of LawsupportingHigher education partner for CyberFirst Horizons Yorkshire & Humber programme.
- Northumbria UniversitysupportingHigher education partner for CyberFirst Horizons North East programme.
- Teesside UniversitysupportingHigher education partner for CyberFirst Horizons North East programme.
- University of SunderlandsupportingHigher education partner for CyberFirst Horizons North East programme.
- AccenturesupportingIndustry partner providing site visits and workshops for CyberFirst Horizons programme in both North East and Yorkshire & Humber regions.
- Mumble Marketing (Hayward Miller Limited)supportingExternal marketing provider engaged to deliver market research, capability documentation, and outbound activity for QRS Precision Engineering supply chain programme.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
RTC North competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SETsquared Partnership: University partnership delivering enterprise and innovation programmes across multiple UK regions, partnering with public funders. Comparable university-anchored business support, scaleup, and STEM/skills delivery model.
- Oxford Innovation: Operates innovation centres and delivers business support programmes across multiple UK regions. Directly comparable as a UK-based business support and innovation services provider working with public sector funders and SMEs.
- Manchester Growth Company: Manchester-based economic development agency delivering business growth, inward investment, and skills programmes across Greater Manchester. Comparable regionally-focused, publicly funded business support organisation in the same North of England market.
- Be the Business: UK-wide not-for-profit focused on boosting SME productivity through business support, leadership development, and best-practice adoption. Directly comparable mission, customer base (UK SMEs), and publicly/partly funded delivery model.
- West Midlands Combined Authority Growth Team: Combined authority team delivering business growth, skills, and innovation programmes across the West Midlands. Directly comparable as a publicly funded, regionally-focused business support and economic development organisation.
- Hethel Innovation: Norfolk-based innovation centre delivering business growth, scale-up, and STEM engagement programmes with public funding. Closely comparable regional business support and STEM skills development operating model.
Regional players
- Enterprise Ireland: Irish government agency delivering business development, innovation, and scaleup support to Irish SMEs. Comparable mission, structure, and publicly funded advisory model, but serves the Republic of Ireland rather than the UK.
- Business Durham: Durham County Council's economic development service providing business support, innovation, and growth programmes. Directly overlaps RTC North's North East SME customer base, though constrained to Durham County.
Broad incumbents
- Innovate UK: UK national innovation agency funding and supporting business-led innovation. Broader incumbent that commissions many of the programmes RTC North delivers, with overlapping mandate in innovation strategy and SME growth support.
- Barclays Eagle Labs: Barclays' nationwide network of incubator and accelerator spaces offering business support, mentoring, and growth programmes to UK SMEs and startups. Broader incumbent with overlapping customer base and a similar partnership-driven GTM model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
RTC North social profiles
Digital presenceRTC North compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
RTC North financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
RTC North leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
RTC North funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
RTC North M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about RTC North
What does RTC North do?
RTC North delivers publicly funded business support programmes across the North of England, helping SMEs, startups, manufacturers, and supply chains to innovate, compete, and grow. Services are organised under three pillars: Innovate (innovation strategy, design thinking, funding access), Compete (workforce development, operational improvement, STEM skills), and Grow (scaleup support, international markets, supply chain opportunities). The organisation also delivers STEM education outreach and podcast content.
Is RTC North a public or private company?
RTC North is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was RTC North founded?
RTC North was founded in 1987. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is RTC North based?
RTC North is headquartered in Sunderland, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does RTC North make money?
One revenue line is on record: publicly Funded Programme Delivery.
Who are RTC North's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SETsquared Partnership, Oxford Innovation, Manchester Growth Company, Be the Business, West Midlands Combined Authority Growth Team and Hethel Innovation. Regional players are Enterprise Ireland and Business Durham. Broad incumbents are Innovate UK and Barclays Eagle Labs.
Does RTC North have an API?
No public API is recorded for RTC North.
What industry is RTC North in?
RTC North's product category is Business Support and Consultancy Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHACAH, Digital & Technology Transformation Consulting, with a secondary code of EDADALAJ, STEM, Digital Skills & Innovation Partnerships. Its NAICS code is 5416 and its SIC code is 8742.