Technology consultancy Opencast Software launched in 2012 after its co-founders, Charlie Hoult and Mike O’Brien, met at the school gates attended by their respective twins. Hoult had previously founded a marketing communications company and O’Brien’s career had included time on the executive board at an IT consultancy, where he helped build the business from 10 to 800 people. Opencast Software, which offers a range of technology and digital consultancy services, is headquartered in Newcastle and has worked with clients including HMRC, Barclays, Betfair and Sage. Opencast now has more than 140 employees and has grown to achieve a turnover to £36.3m in 2022.