Communications technology has played a big part in most people’s lives during the Covid-19 pandemic – and one of the Scottish industry’s leading lights has some fascinating insights to share in an online event next week.
Alan Lees, director for BT’s corporate and public sector arm in Scotland, is one of three speakers lined up for The Press and Journal Business Breakfast in association with McKnight Associates, principal partner practice of St James’s Place Wealth Management, on Wednesday September 23.
He will highlight examples of organisations which have proved resilient – and in some cases are even thriving – despite Covid-19.
Mr Lees has overall responsibility for a large chunk of BT’s business north of the border, with customers including healthcare providers, national and local government, the emergency services and universities.
His remit is to implement a new strategic direction with a “local” focus, rolling it out across Scotland.
And as chairman of the BT Scotland board, he is responsible for growing the telecoms giant’s involvement and contribution north of the border.
The Glasgow-born executive joined BT from NTL in 2001 and has worked in a variety of general manager and director roles during nearly 20 years with the firm.
He has, therefore, many important insights into customer challenges and how communications technology can deliver economic growth.
Mr Lees is a champion of small and medium-sized enterprises and an advocate for many support services provided by BT, including Skills for Tomorrow training and Barefoot Computing in primary schools.
He is also an advisory board member of Glasgow Warriors rugby club and passionate about the sport at all levels in Scotland.
In addition, he is on the advisory board of Scotland IS – the trade association championing this country’s digital technologies industry.
Looking forward to next week’s online discussion, Mr Lees said: “I’m personally delighted to be involved in what looks like an excellent event.”
The two other speakers are Steve McKnight, principal of McKnight Associates Wealth Management and Darren Johnson, head of engagement, investment consultancy, St James’s Place Wealth Management, who will talk about the impact of Covid-19 on personal finance and the importance of investors taking a long-term view.
Associate sponsor BT said: “BT are delighted to be supporting this event, organised by DC Thomson. There is a collective effort required to support our national and local economies, now more than ever.
“This should be a highly relevant conversation, and we hope there will be takeaways and opportunities to consider for all involved.”