George returns to head Redwood growth plans

Crane founder aims to help telecoms reseller achieve business expansion targets

Crane Telecommunications founder David George has returned to the channel and is aiming to help telecoms reseller Redwood Telecommunications double its turnover within three years.

George has assumed the role of executive chairman and will be an equal partner alongside Redwood’s founding directors David Hamer and Charles Whelpton.

George founded distributor Crane in 1990 and stepped down following its acquisition by Westcon.

“This is a fantastic coup for us. David will help us with our growth plans,” said Hamer.

George told CRN he hopes to increase Redwood’s turnover to more than £10m within three years. He claimed his investment would help Redwood generate organic growth, but indicated there could be opportunities for acquisition.

“Having taken a break after seventeen years in the industry I really needed something to get my teeth into again. Our plan is to grow the business quite aggressively and I have a background in growing a business rapidly,” said George.

He indicated that he had a long-standing professional relationship with the other directors. “We have a strong relationship as people, which is very important in joining a new business,” he said.

Wireless LAN vendor Trapeze Networks worked with Crane, and UK and Ireland director Alistair Mutch said: “David is very experienced and it will be interesting to see what he brings to Redwood.”