After several years of empty threats, John Hamer, one of the founding members of AlphaPlus, has stepped down as Chair of the Board. John has been a part of AlphaPlus since its origins in a research department in the University of Nottingham and will be greatly missed by everyone here.

John was one of the directors who founded the formal AlphaPlus company, back in June 2003, having worked prior to that as part of the informal group of assessment experts that came together to work on research projects.  John’s departure truly marks the end of an era – the last “founding team member” to leave us.  We organised a goodbye celebration for John and the founding directors and we all wish John well for his retirement.  At the end of his time as Chairman, John leaves AlphaPlus in a commercially strong position – exciting projects, a great team both at the office in Manchester and among our highly-valued associates, and with a strong balance sheet.  We’re also proud to reflect that AlphaPlus retains the culture and values put in place by John and the other founders back in 2003 – a focus on high-quality evidence-driven education projects and a trusted and dependable supplier for our clients.

John – thanks for everything – we wish you and Rachael all the very best for the future.

A word from John:

I’m stepping down as a director and Chair of AlphaPlus after nearly 20 immensely fulfilling and exciting years. During this time, we have expanded our range of activities and geographical reach in ways which were scarcely envisaged in the early years. I have no doubt that this growth will continue and hope still to play a small part in it as an AlphaPlus associate. Golf and gardening are enjoyable pastimes but not so appealing as full-time activities!

 

I will miss all of my colleagues, recent and not so recent, and in particular the enthusiasm and drive which they bring to the company and which I have personally found so energising and motivating. But for the moment … au revoir.

We will shortly be announcing the new Chair of the AlphaPlus Board.