Barron McCann receives visit from Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson who praises expansion

Barron McCann has been praised for its recent expansion and investment in skills by Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson.

The company provides IT services to leading retail, hospitality and stadium companies throughout the UK and Europe. With more than 45 years’ industry experience, it last month opened an Innovation Hub showcasing the most advanced technologies transforming the sector.

Atkinson was given a tour of the business culminating in the new Innovation Hub by the company’s Managing Director, Scott Watson. Of particular interest was Barron McCann’s recent expansion into the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry. The company will leverage its field engineering expertise to support the government’s pledge for 99% charge point reliability.

Atkinson also learned about the focus on attracting local talent and its work with students from the University of Derby and schools such as Lees Brook Academy in a bid to nurture the next generation of professionals. And she was introduced to Head of IT and Quality, Jack Buxton who started his career at the firm as an apprentice.

She says: “Meeting the demand for the technology of tomorrow depends upon our success in developing a skilled workforce fit for the future. Barron McCann is a brilliant example of the innovative, forward thinking approach to developing the skills our region and industries need to grow.”

She also commended Barron McCann’s longstanding partnerships with major retailers, including a 30-year relationship with Iceland Foods. This partnership has been pivotal in maintaining seamless in-store operations across Iceland’snetwork of almost 1,000 stores nationwide.

Barron McCann is the largest of a family owned group of businesses, privately owned by Executive Chairman and owner, Alan Watson. The group encompasses a range of businesses that turn over circa £50 million, offering services including IT hardware provision, installation and maintenance, infrastructure cabling, EV charge point maintenance and HR and employment law advisory services.  

Watson says: “Although Barron McCann operates throughout the UK and Europe, we are proud to be based in Derby and it was a privilege to welcome Catherine Atkinson to our HQ and specifically our Innovation Hub."

“It was a real pleasure to introduce Catherine to Jack Buxton. He is living proof that career progression is actively encouraged at Barron McCann. Jack’s journey demonstrates our commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth within the company. We remain dedicated to fostering innovation and development, both in our technology and our people, as we continue to expand our services across the UK and Europe.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Green retail and in-store operations will be key focus areas at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in April, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.