Business leader quits top technology group

STEPPING down . . . Aidan Towey

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A WELL-KNOWN Oldham business leader has left his role at a technology firm.

Aidan Towey was managing director at Innovative Technology in Derker, which announced his departure and replacement yesterday.

Innovative Technology designs and manufactures cash validation equipment for the gaming, amusement, retail, vending, kiosk and car park industries globally.

The company has 300 staff, of which 140 are based at its Oldham HQ, which was extended with new £3million research offices in 2015.

The firm was founded in 1992 by David Bellis and has manufacturing facilities in China plus bases in Europe and South America.

Mr Towey has been with the business for 22 years, but has decided to pursue other interests, Innovative Technology said yesterday.

However, Mr Towey has also made himself available to affect a smooth transition, it added.

Peter Dunlop has become group managing director. He has been with the business since 1996 and been responsible for product development and planning since 2005.

In this new role, he will take full responsibility for the management of the group.

Innovative Technology said its products have won many industry awards in recent years, which reflected Mr Dunlop's successful leadership and strategic vision.

It also praised the contribution of Aidan Towey over the past two decades.

David Bellis, company chairman, said: "I am delighted that Peter has accepted this appointment and I know he will continue to lead the company to even greater success in the future.

"We cannot thank Aidan enough for the dedication, passion, enthusiasm and motivation he has given Innovative Technology. He will be greatly missed by the staff and board alike. He has the talent and ability to succeed in whatever his next venture brings."

Speaking about his new role, Mr Dunlop added: "I am very proud to be given the opportunity to manage Innovative Technology through the next phase of significant growth and I would like to thank Aidan for all his mentoring over the past 22 years. I wish him every success in whatever he decides to do next."

Meanwhile Mr Towey said: "After 22 years with Innovative Technology, I recently let the board know that I felt it was time for me to move on.

"The decision to leave the business after such a long and successful period did not come easily as I am extremely proud of all that Innovative Technology staff and board have accomplished during the past 22 years and hold in the highest regard the relationships I've built during my time here.

Mr Towey grew up in Manchester and joined the firm in 1995.

He is well-known in the Oldham business community and has been a member of the volunteers' steering group which runs the annual Oldham Business Awards.

As part of his departure, he will step down from the awards steering group.

However, Innovative Technology remains a headline sponsor for the awards and has emphasised its ongoing support for them. They are now in their ninth year.

Innovative Technology and Mr Towey have been long-term champions of careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (known as STEM subjects).

They have raised awareness of job and work placement opportunities with the company, which runs tailored work placements for youngsters leaving school, college and university.

Innovative Technology also attends job fairs, trade shows and industry conventions regionally, nationally and internationally.

The new research centre at Derker is now home to engineers, science and maths experts, along with IT, marketing, administrative and distribution facilities.

Its opening was attended by staff from countries including Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia and America.