Mark Gardner (FRSA)

Mark Gardner (FRSA) has a long history of working in the tech sector. Mark began their career in 2014 as Sales and Marketing Director at Afresh Solutions, where they provided support services to start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the North of England. In 2016, they took on the role of Regional Head at the Association of Business Mentors, where they worked to build strategic collaborations and raise the standards of coaching and mentoring in the region. In 2017, they became an Ecosystem Builder at Fuckup Nights. In 2018, they were Engagement Director at Ampersand Inventions CIC. In 2020, they took on multiple roles, including Director at NE One Startup Ltd, City Director/Program Leader at FoundersBoost (formerly Startup Boost), and Chief Commercial Officer at Purch It. Finally, in 2021, they became Startup and Growth Manager at Sunderland Software City, and in 2022 they were Engagement Director at For Tech Sake UK.

Mark Gardner (FRSA) has an extensive education history. Mark completed a BA - Applied Management at the University of Sunderland from 2005 to 2007. Mark then obtained an HND in Business and Finance from Newcastle College of Arts and Technology from 1986 to 1988. In 1989 to 1991, Mark attended North Tyneside College and obtained a Chartered Institute of Management Services in Systems Analysis, processes and productivity. In 2014, Mark attended The Knowledge Academy to obtain a Prince2 Foundation in Project Management - Prince 2. Mark also attended SFEDI that same year to obtain a SFEDI Level 3 Mentoring for Enterprise in Mentoring for Enterprise.