Our Company Board
The company board sets the strategic direction for the company and holds the business to account for its progress towards its strategic aims and plans. The board comprises of directors who have day to day responsibility for the running of the business. They are joined by non-executive directors who provide external challenge and bring extensive expertise in particular areas which complement the experience of others on the board.
Malcolm Aiston, Chair
Malcolm has dedicated his career to the NHS after starting as an apprentice in 1978. As a Chartered Engineer he has been leading facilities and estates services for many years. He led the establishment of the company and the transfer of services and was Managing Director since the company was formed until 2022. He has taken on various national roles within the NHS including serving on the NHS National Capital Procurement Programme.
He has championed the role of apprentices and is passionate about working for greater equality.
Tracey Sopp, Managing Director
Tracey has extensive leadership experience in finance and over 30 years of experience in the NHS. She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants. Before becoming Interim Managing Director she was responsible for the provision of financial services as well as the business support and commercial directorates. Tracey became Deputy Managing Director in 2019.
Matthew Lessells, Executive Director of Estates
Matthew has worked in the NHS for 30 years after starting as an apprentice mechanical craftsperson at Newcastle General Hospital. He is a Chartered Engineer with a Masters degree in Building Services Engineering. He has worked in various roles around the region with experience in both acute and mental health Trusts and became Head of Estates with NTW Solutions in April 2019 before becoming Director of Estates in 2023. In his spare time he volunteers as a Blood Biker supporting the Northumbria Blood Bikes covering Trusts across our region.
Gillian Colquhoun, Chief Digital and Information Officer
Gillian is an experienced digital healthcare leader with a career rooted in the NHS where she has held pivotal roles including Chief Information & Technology Officer. Her expertise spans digital transformation, IT operations, cybersecurity, and strategic leadership, all focused on enhancing patient care through innovative technology.
Andrew Buckley, Non Executive Director
Andrew has experience at a senior level in some of the biggest businesses in the country. He has a BA in Modern Languages from Bristol University and an MBA from Cass Business School. Latterly, he was Chief Executive of RTC North, which delivers a portfolio of business support programmes across the North of England, helping organisations to innovate, compete and grow.
