Member Article

bdaily meets Neil Stephenson, CEO and force behind the success of Onyx Group

After hearing him describe his position at the Onyx Group as ‘fun’ for about the fifteenth time, I think I can accurately state that Neil Stephenson is a man who genuinely loves his job. Throughout our conversation he speaks energetically about the IT Solutions Company based in Stockton, and it is clear that his passion for Onyx extends into every area of the business

“Its always been a real pleasure to work for Onyx, as well as enjoying the commercial side, the friendships I’ve made along the way have made it all the more enjoyable,” he said.

Neil has been with Onyx for the past fifteen years, and after joining the company as marketing manager. “After working for a big brewery business, I decided I wanted to work for a smaller, more nimble company, and Onyx was just a small internet start up, so it seemed like a great opportunity,” he said.

Since then he has worked his way up through the ranks to the position of Chief Executive – “They just cant get rid of me, I know where all the bodies are!” he jokes.

While the company has grown substantially since his arrival and now employs around 120 staff, Neil attributes the success of the company to its original ethos: “ We have a great culture at the business, there’s no politics and everyone works hard and plays hard.

“The flat structure of the business gives us a common vision, and when people succeed in the business, we all celebrate and share in their successes.”

While the business has spread nationally, its base is firmly in the North East: “We’ve got great headquarters in Teesside and the people are great here.”

“However, I think you can get a blinkered view if you just trade in the North East – if a geography has a downturn it can really hurt you, which is why we are always looking at further opportunities to increase our national presence.”

In terms of the future, Neil has his sights set pretty high. “World domination’s the plan really,” he says, “Seriously though, we’re growing organically and have already made two acquisitions this year which contribute positively to the whole business.

“However, when you’re able to combine something you enjoy with your work, which is what me, and others I work with get to do on a daily basis, it can have a really positive impact on business growth.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Neil Stephenson .