World class technology. Made in Manchester.

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Based in the Northern Quarter, we’re a fiercely
independent technology transformation consultancy who
help you do it right, faster and better.

Softwire AI April-32 -16-9-crop - Softwire

We help organisations that want to get ahead and stay ahead.

Our team are some of the best in the business at designing and building world-leading solutions in data, AI, customer experience and software engineering to unlock value and turbocharge growth.

5* app ratings, 0% downtime during crunch time – we deliver in the big moments when it matters most.

Meet our experts

Laura Hughes

Data Strategy & Engineering

Laura is a Technical Principal with a focus on Data Strategy & Engineering, working in sectors ranging from education, health, media to financial services. She enjoys sharing technical insights through public speaking, writing and editing opportunities, and also fronts a critically-acclaimed Manchester-based post-garage-punk band.

Thomas Ward

Head of Softwire Manchester

Tom started his career as an engineer and over 15 years he has consulted for clients like The British Library, University of Manchester, Channel 5 and David Lloyd. He looks after our Manchester office, runs local tech events and sits on our Editorial Board.

Stevie Jones

Design Principal

Stevie is a strategic design leader with 10+ years’ experience shaping UX for LNER, Manchester Met, Sky Sports and Emirates. At Softwire, he’s scaled the design and research team, helping clients deliver simple, effective services that meet user and business needs.

Cally Clifft

Delivery Principal

Cally brings over 20 years’ experience in IT delivery and programme management, successfully leading complex projects across retail, energy and finance sectors. She specialises in agile project management and mentorship. A passionate advocate for Manchester’s tech scene, Cally is also a part-time associate lecturer.

Anthony Pengelly

Tech Principal, AI

Ant leads Softwire’s GenAI practice. He’s led AI projects for clients including Tax Systems’ award-winning AlphaMap product, plus work for Direct Line Group and the BBC. Ant also writes and talks about AI and, outside of work, likes to perform in musical theatre.

Rana Sezgin

Delivery Director

Rana has over 15 years of digital delivery experience consultancy side, supporting clients across a range of sectors including retail, education, automotive, finance and transport. She enjoys building long-term partnerships where she can collaborate with clients and internal teams to solve complex business challenges and deliver meaningful value.

Tim Benjamin

Principal Technical Consultant

Tim is a senior technology leader with 25 years’ experience across startups and global enterprises, recently leading our team for LNER. He specialises in digital transformation, lean product strategy and building high-performing teams. Outside work, Tim is an internationally-performed, award-winning classical music composer.

Farooq Ansari

Client Partner

Farooq brings commercial and strategic insight from over 20 years’ industry experience with clients ranging from startups to multinationals, on projects ranging from digital transformation to data engineering and AI. Farooq is a long-time advocate of tech in the North, and a long-suffering Manchester United fan.

Ian Cartwright

Principal Technical Consultant

Ian is a leading authority on legacy replacement patterns, drawing on 30 years’ experience across various sectors. He works with clients to ensure the right solutions are delivered using the right technologies. Passionate about Manchester’s tech community, Ian also speaks regularly at local events.

Digital Engineering

Modern cloud-native platforms. Innovative products and experiences. Hauling existing systems into the 21st century – whatever your vision, we’ll move you from idea to concept at industry-leading speeds.

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Data Engineering

Softwire creates scalable, cloud-native data platforms with exceptional robustness and reliability, underpinned by modern engineering and DevOps practices.

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Customer Experience and product

We help consumer-facing organisations create best-in-class products and captivating experiences that set them apart.

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Generative AI

Whether you’re beginning your journey, or you’ve already attained some level of maturity, our specialist teams can build, enhance and bolster your capabilities whilst ensuring an unrelenting focus on value, security and efficiency.

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