An employee-owned Cumbrian business has created a new senior head of technology role designed to drive its digital strategy.
Stephen Wilkinson has taken up the role at Brampton-based WCF, which operates across the UK in leisure, retail and logistics.
Mr Wilkinson has more than 20 years of experience in technology leadership, with a background in customer-focused IT roles and senior positions at companies including END Clothing, Cineworld Cinemas and Charlotte Tilbury.
Stephen Wilkinson, head of technology at WCF, said: “WCF stood out to me because of its people, its values and the way decisions are made.
“As an employee-owned business, there’s a genuine focus on doing the right thing for the long term, with the team encouraged to make a positive impact at every level.
“That creates an environment where technology can really add value.”
The company says he will be responsible for delivering WCF’s technology strategy, working with teams across the business to “ensure technology supports people, improves ways of working and enables sustainable growth.”
His remit includes identifying opportunities to “create greater consistency and economies of scale across WCF’s businesses.”
Mr Wilkinson is also leading work on data protection, cyber security awareness and governance, as well as the adoption of technology platforms and AI tools were the company believes they can deliver clear benefits.
He said: “Because WCF operates across a wide range of sectors, the tools required by colleagues will differ and must be right for their individual roles.
“My aim is to help people feel confident using technology, removing any fear around it and ensuring that it genuinely makes their jobs easier.
“Technology should never be about change for change’s sake – it should support the business and the people within it.”
He is based at WCF’s head office in Brampton and works on projects across the company’s portfolio, which includes retail, camping and glamping, oil distribution, and mail order shopping brands.
Andy Mochrie, chief operating officer at WCF, said: “Stephen brings a rare combination of strong technical expertise and a genuine understanding of people and culture.
The company is employee-owned and operates across a number of sectors.
WCF’s Cumbrian-based businesses include five of its eight WCF Pet and Equestrian stores, mail order shopping brands based in Brampton, and Allan Stobart Lubricants and Fuels.