Redbridge Digital is a pioneering company that bridges the gap between engineering and software for engineering firms. By offering practical strategies, custom-built tools, and tailored support, Redbridge Digital empowers engineering teams to maintain control of their systems and maximise the value of software, data, and AI.

Redbridge Digital have had support through the Scale Up North East programme to help them move from a micro-business with potential to a confident, growth ready company with a clear strategic direction.

When Redbridge Digital first joined the Scale Up North East programme, they were a micro business with big ambitions. The director of the company, James Dobson, was committed to growing the company quickly but in a sustainable way. However, the business faced several critical challenges. James wanted to build and maintain a strong reputation within the local engineering sector, which required consistently tackling complex technical problems and delivering results. Attracting and retaining top tier contractors and staff was crucial if the business wanted to scale without compromising quality and there was the challenge of managing the business at an appropriate level of risk to maintain momentum without risking cashflow issues.

Redbridge Digital received direct support through programme, including mentorship from experienced business leader and Scale Up partner, Tony Brooks. This guidance played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s strategic direction.

 “Having Tony as a sounding board has been invaluable, especially since I don’t have anyone in the business to help me make important decisions. He has also given me very actionable advice on building relationships with companies we can outsource to and managing cashflow.” James Dobson, Director of Redbridge Digital

Through regular mentoring sessions and tailored advice, Redbridge Digital now have developed a confident and actionable recruitment plan – a key foundation for their growth strategy. The programme has enabled the business to hire more strategically, aligning recruitment efforts with their long-term goals. This has allowed James to take on more ambitious projects with confidence, which has helped Redbridge Digital to build significant momentum.

“Lots of people say that starting a small business can be quite a lonely experience but finding and taking advantage of the support available from places such as RTC North and meeting great people like Tony has meant I feel precisely the opposite.

The Scale Up programme has helped set Redbridge Digital on the right trajectory. Having Tony as a mentor has been invaluable – his experience and honest advice have given me the clarity and confidence to make smart decisions early on. From building a solid recruitment plan to navigating key challenges, the support has helped me build momentum and grow with purpose. I’d highly recommend it to any founder looking to scale sustainably.” James Dobson, Director of Redbridge Digital

Tony Brooks, Scale Up Partner comments:

"Meeting focused entrepreneurs like James is the reason I do this job; it is a real pleasure for me to be able have those meaningful conversations and be that soundboard for smaller businesses that just need an experienced person to talk to."

To find out more about the support available visit: https://scaleupnortheast.co.uk/