Mark Atkinson joins Emerge Digital as new director

As Emerge Digital prepares to tackle accelerated growth, it has signed a former Gloucester Rugby star to its team. Mark Atkinson joins the firm as a director, following a decade-long career in professional sport.

Nigel Church, CEO of Emerge Digital, commented, "Transferring ambition from sport to business is a natural progression. Businesses thrive with ambitious, intelligent individuals who are driven by clear goals. Mark exemplifies these qualities in every respect.”

Emerge Digital is a technology and digital innovation business and managed services provider (MSP) which provides solutions to SMEs that drive efficiency, competitiveness, and profit. The firm uses comprehensive solutions, including outsourced IT support, cyber security, cloud infrastructure, and innovative technologies like process automation and data visualisation to help clients achieve their goals.

The company is currently hitting a turnover target of £3 million. That constitutes a £2.2 million increase in just 12 months. Looking ahead, the MSP market is set to expand by a CAGR of 12% leading to 2027, meaning Emerge Digital is currently outpacing the industry average currently with a CAGR of 33% – but also that there is further room to expand.

As the Cheltenham-based technology consultancy looks to build on its momentum, Mark Atkinson will focus on unlocking opportunities in new markets, as part of Emerge Digital’s two-year growth plan. This will be with the ultimate aim of helping the company to double its revenue by 2026.

Mark, who also holds a business development role at Gloucester Rugby, will be focusing on

Emerge Digital rebranded in 2022 and updated its business offering to encompass a full suite of technology solutions including outsourced IT support, cloud services and cyber security. Since then, its revenue has grown 77% and its client base has expanded by 45%, serviced by a growing team of 20 staff members.

After joining Gloucester Rugby in 2014, Atkinson played 168 times over a ten-year period for the club, while also being called-up for the Barbarians and England Rugby. He also holds a business development role at Gloucester Rugby – and his hiring by Emerge Digital further marks his transition from sport to business.

Speaking on the appointment, he added, "Since leaving the game, I’ve wanted to challenge myself in a new industry, and what better industry than technology. Emerge Digital’s growth and determination piqued my interest, and I’m excited to bring my experience and drive to this new role. My existing relationship with Emerge through their partnership with Gloucester Rugby made this the perfect fit."

The hire coincides with the sixth year of Emerge Digital’s partnership with Gloucester Rugby. Over that time, the club has enhanced match day experiences for 250,000 fans, as well as staff and shareholders, by investing in new, state-of-the art technology, with the help of Emerge Digital.

The consulting world has regularly tapped professional rugby for talent in recent years. In 2023, challenger consultancy Elixirr appointed Rugby World Cup winner Bob Skinstad as a partner in its sports practice. Meanwhile, Irish rugby international Billy Dardis completed an internship with BearingPoint while also preparing for the Tokyo Olympics.