Red Helix (previously known as Phoenix Datacom) provides solutions and services to improve on-premise and cloud application performance and cyber-security for major UK organisations across a range of sectors. Established in 1984, it has a list of longstanding blue-chip clients which includes leading financial institutions, telecoms and media businesses, broadcasters and also public sector organisations.
Based in Buckinghamshire, the business plays a key role in helping organisations to build, validate and optimise their networks and secure their most critical information. With a range of solutions and a high degree of technical expertise, Red Helix is well placed to support major businesses in their digital transformation as they scale their networks and improve their defences against the increasing risk of cyber-attack.
Private equity partnership
The partnership with LDC is supporting the management team to expand the business’ suite of hardware and software products and related services to help its enterprise customers further enhance their cyber-security. LDC’s backing is also helping the team to explore complementary acquisitions.
As part of the partnership with LDC, Red Helix extended its banking facilities with its longstanding banking provider, Lloyds Bank.
Succession planning
Marion Stewart who was Deputy CEO/COO at the time of LDC’s investment took over as CEO from John Carson. John spent over 20 years building the Red Helix business and lead the LDC-backed management buyout of the business.
Encouraging diversity in STEM
Red Helix is on a mission to tackle the cyber skills shortage. The Red Helix Coding Club is providing primary school children in Buckinghamshire with exposure to the real-world applications of STEM.
Red Helix has launched the scheme in response to the chronic shortage of cyber skills in the UK, and to encourage more diversity in the sector, with a specific focus on aiding social mobility.
The Coding Club aims to enhance children’s education by giving them access to experts from Red Helix, that has decades of experience in the IT and security industry. It also supports the need to develop talent and a new generation of cyber-savvy individuals to bolster the UK’s cyber defences.
There is a pressing need for more cyber security skills in the UK. Through the coding club,
we aim to mitigate the impact of future skills shortages by planting a much-needed seed of
inspiration at a younger age – with a focus on greater inclusion from a more diverse range of children and young people.”
Women in Leadership
LDC hosted a panel event featuring experienced Non-Executive Directors and CEOs including Marion Stewart discussing the value of women in leadership positions.
The event was part of our partnership with The Prince’s Trust.
