A Newcastle-based technology consultancy has secured the largest contract in its history following two rounds of investment from NEL Fund Managers.
Solution Performance Group (SPG) will deliver and support a modern Identity and Access Management (IAM) platform for the University of Southampton under a long-term contract.
The agreement, which runs until March 2034, will see SPG and its partner Saviynt provide a next-generation IAM solution to manage digital identities across the university’s diverse community of staff, students, researchers, contractors and returning users.
“The platform will enable seamless lifecycle management of identities, allowing individuals to transition between multiple roles – for example, from student to researcher to employee – under a single, persistent identity,” said NEL.
“It will also enhance secure collaboration with external partners and visitors, in line with the university’s commitment to building world-class digital infrastructure andbecoming a globally connected institution.
“Founded in 2019 by CEO Gareth Humphreys, SPG is distinctive in combining two dedicated but complementary businesses: technology consulting and specialist tech recruitment.
“Through SPG Intelligence, the firm delivers expertise in data, software development, cyber and AI. Through
SPG Resourcing, it provides the talent and workforce solutions needed to make those programmes succeed.
“This dual model allows SPG to support both the strategic and operational sides of technology change, giving public and private sector clients a uniquely integrated partner for delivering their outcomes.”
SPG received its first round of funding from NEL Fund Managers in 2023, followed by a second in 2024.
The investments, led by Jane Siddle, Senior Investment Executive at NEL Fund Managers, provided the business with the breathing space to restructure operations and position itself for significant growth.
Since then, the company has raised its delivery standards, secured several new contracts, and renewed existing client agreements.
The University of Southampton contract represents SPG’s first venture into the higher education sector.
Humphreys said: “This partnership is about more than technology — it’s about giving the university a digital experience that feels seamless for every member of its community; that’s the bar we’ve set ourselves.
“We couldn’t have taken on a project of this scale without NEL — their investment, flexibility, and advice have been instrumental in strengthening our business and giving us the confidence to really go for it.”
Robert Irving, Director Service Delivery at University of Southampton, said: “The University of Southampton is excited to be partnering with SPG to deliver innovative identity capabilities based on the class-leading Saviynt platform.
“In a world of increasing licensing costs and cyber threats, granular control of our identities will support more secure operations, save money and deliver increased personalised customer experiences.”
Mark Wharton, Senior Portfolio Executive at NEL Fund Managers, said: “We’re delighted to see that, since our investment, SPG – under Gareth’s leadership – has gone from strength to strength, securing and delivering large-scale transformation projects that help organisations improve efficiencies through innovative technology.
“Winning a flagship contract with the University of Southampton is a fantastic milestone and a testament to the vision, capability, and ambitionwithin the business.”
NEL Fund Managers Limited is North East England’s most active business investor, providing financial products to small and medium-sized businesses right across the region, and is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority.
NEL is currently managing NPIF II – NEL Smaller Loans which offers investments from £25,000 to £100,000 to entrepreneurs looking to fill the funding gap for growth and development projects, and NPIF II – NEL Debt Finance which provides investments from £100,000 to £2 million to more established businesses that can demonstrate growth potential.