Tech firm secures ‘flagship’ university contract

A North East technology consultancy is set to expand its reach after securing the largest contract in its history.

Newcastle-based Solution Performance Group (SPG) has won a long-term agreement with the University of Southampton, running until March 2034, which will see SPG and partner Saviynt deliver a next-generation Identity and Access Management (IAM) platform.

Bosses say the system will manage digital identities across the University’s staff, students, researchers, contractors and visitors, enabling seamless transitions between multiple roles while supporting secure collaboration with external partners. 

They add that the platform aligns with the University’s commitment to world-class digital infrastructure and global connectivity.

Robert Irving, director of service delivery at the University of Southampton, said: “The University of Southampton is excited to be partnering with SPG to deliver innovative identity capabilities based on the class-leading Saviynt platform. 

“In a world of increasing licensing costs and cyber threats, granular control of our identities will support more secure operations, save money and deliver increased personalised customer experiences.”

The new contract comes after two rounds of investment from NEL Fund Managers in 2023 and 2024, which were led by Jane Siddle, senior investment executive at NEL Fund Managers, and provided SPG with the space to restructure, grow and raise its delivery standards.

Founded in 2019 by chief executive Gareth Humphreys, SPG combines technology consulting and specialist recruitment under one roof. 

Through SPG Intelligence, it delivers expertise in data, software development, cyber and AI, while SPG Resourcing supplies the workforce solutions to make projects succeed.

This dual approach allows the company to support both strategic planning and operational delivery for clients across public and private sectors.

The University of Southampton deal marks SPG’s first foray into higher education and a major milestone in its growth trajectory, with Gareth quick to praise NEL’s “instrumental” support.

He said: “This partnership is about more than technology – it’s about giving the University a digital experience that feels seamless for every member of its community; that’s the bar we’ve set ourselves.

“We couldn’t have taken on a project of this scale without NEL – their investment, flexibility and advice have been instrumental in strengthening our business and giving us the confidence to really go for it.”

Mark Wharton, senior portfolio executive at NEL Fund Managers, added: “We’re delighted to see that, since our investment, SPG – under Gareth’s leadership – has gone from strength to strength, securing and delivering large-scale transformation projects that help organisations improve efficiencies through innovative technology. 

“Winning a flagship contract with the University of Southampton is a fantastic milestone and a testament to the vision, capability, and ambition within the business.”

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