LDC Top 50 2025
Alan Stephenson-Brown
CEO
Evolve
When Alan Stephenson-Brown took the reins at tech firm Evolve in 2012 it had five employees and less than £1 million in sales. “I love the challenge of scaling a business.” Today, Evolve has 130 people and a turnover of £21 million, delivering Managed Network Solutions to brands including Pret a Manger and Home Bargains across 9,500 sites in 12 countries.
The ambition? To hit 25,000 sites and double turnover within five years. With a 6,000 sq ft warehouse and newly refurbished HQ in Wigan, Alan says culture is key: “We’ve built a place where people want to be. Nothing makes me prouder than seeing that energy every day.”
Accept that 90 per cent is good enough to get started. Perfection can wait. Jump sooner than you think.”
Q&A
How do you motivate your team?
I’m passionate about creating an environment where people feel supported and want to come to work. Every day, I make a point of walking around the office and speaking to as many people as possible. Staff often tell me they’ve never worked anywhere where the CEO is so visible and approachable.
We’ve recently hired a Head of People and Talent to strengthen our culture, with proper training and support programmes, and a review of things like holidays and benefits. In our sector, you can’t just compete on salary. We’ve invested heavily in our workspace. There’s a huge kitchen and dining area, a pool table, plenty of breakout pods and meeting rooms.
We also host summer parties, family days and food truck lunches. Around 95 per cent of our people are office-based, and 37 per cent of the business are under 30. Our customers are always blown away by the buzz when they walk in.
What’s your advice for scaling overseas?
We operate across three continents and around 50 per cent of sales come from abroad. You won’t get everything perfect on day one. Accept that 90 per cent is good enough to get started. Perfection can wait. Jump sooner than you think.
How do you relax?
In another life, I’d have been a chef. I studied home economics for O-levels and was one of only three boys in the class. I still cook to unwind. It’s creative, structured and helps me to switch off. I’m tidy too. You’d never know I’ve been in the kitchen!
