Getting to know… Ian Fitzpatrick

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Getting to know... feature, which looks at the person behind the business profile, Ian Fitzpatrick, managing director of Daisy Education, talks about his pride in leading the edtech company’s growth, the joy he takes in making a difference to lives and the supportive culture the Gateshead-based organisation continues to engender.

We know you as the managing director of Daisy Education, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

I’m driven, competitive and have a genuine passion for improving outcomes for pupils, teachers and my team.

I like seeing people and ideas reach their potential, whether that’s a school improving results or one of our staff stepping up and achieving something new.

I find that if you focus on the important things (student outcomes, supporting staff), with an effective business model, you will be successful.

When I first moved to the North East 17 years ago, I didn’t envisage leading a company in such a rewarding industry. 

A combination of good timing and good luck, alongside a lot of hard work, dedication, curiosity, consistency and great colleagues, got me to where I am.

As a result, I believe people can achieve far more than they think they can, and it’s my job to help them achieve their full potential.

Did you always want to work in the education sector?

Not originally, but once I saw the impact great education technology can have on student outcomes, I was hooked. 

Helping schools make meaningful progress with tools that actually work is incredibly rewarding.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The best bits are definitely the people I work with, and the impact we have on so many students. 

We have helped hundreds of thousands of children improve their reading skills over the last ten years.

It’s easy to be flippant about that, but helping so many students is amazing, and is testament to the work our brilliant and committed team delivers.

The worst bit? Probably when there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

The culture we have developed.  

One of our values is Making a Difference.

This applies to education and the schools we support, but also the difference we make to each other’s lives in the office. 

Life is tough, but we have an environment where team members can talk to colleagues, line managers or the executive team if they have problems at home or in work.

As we know, a problem shared is a problem halved.

We have created a supportive, but hardworking, environment, which is a pleasure to be part of.

How do you relax outside of work?

Spending time with my family, walks in Northumberland, football and a network of great friends.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

The people. 

It’s the friendliest place in the country. Such is the history of the area, the people are friendly, hardworking, down to earth and kind. 

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I once won an award for being the funniest person in the office.

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