NWBLT Welcomes New Members and announces 2025 Digital Disruptor
We are delighted to announce the appointment of three outstanding business leaders to our membership: Jonathan Boyers, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal, Stephanie Trubshaw, Chief Operating Officer, SP Electricity North West, and Zain Javed, Co-Founder of Citation Cyber recognised as NWBLT’s 2025 Digital Disruptor. Their expertise will enrich the NWBLT’s drive to ensure the region continues to attract investment and grow its burgeoning tech sector.
With more than 35 years of experience in corporate finance, Jonathan Boyers has advised a variety of North West clients in respect to company disposals, acquisitions and private equity work across a wide range of industries. He has advised hundreds of companies and entrepreneurs regarding strategy and corporate finance transactions, with deal sizes ranging from £10 million to £500 million.
Before joining Alvarez & Marsal, Jonathan spent 32 years at KPMG, where he was UK Head of Corporate Finance and also served as Vice Chair of KPMG in the UK. A first-class accounting and finance graduate from the University of Lancaster, he has been recognised as North West Insider Magazine’s Dealmaker of the Year four times and named “UK Corporate Financier of the Year” by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales.
Jonathan Boyers said: ‘Over three decades of working with businesses across the North West has given me a front-row seat to witness the strong entrepreneurial spirit and resilience that truly defines this region. As someone born and bred in the North, I’m delighted to play a part in supporting the region’s ambitious growth plans through the NWBLT.’
Stephanie Trubshaw joins the NWBLT as SP Electricity North West’s representative following her appointment as Chief Operating Officer. Stephanie joined the North West’s electricity network operator in 2008 and has more than 20 years’ experience in roles within the utilities industry. As COO, Stephanie focuses on quality engagement through leadership to deliver great performance for colleagues, customers and stakeholders, leading billions of pounds of investment in the region to support the energy transition and green growth.
Stephanie’s involvement with the NWBLT precedes her appointment as SP Electricity North West’s representative. She is an alumnus of the NWBLT Rising Stars programme, identifying and nurturing emerging leaders in the North West.
Stephanie Trubshaw said: ‘We’ve always been champions of this wonderful part of the country and, joining together as strong regional businesses through the NWBLT, we can amplify our voice and utilise our collective strength to be a force for good, making things even better. We’ll continue to put our customers, stakeholders and communities at the heart of everything we do as we invest in and deliver the modern and resilient electricity network the North West needs as we head towards a clean energy future.’
In recognition of their innovation in digital transformation, and the growing significance of the North West Cyber Corridor, NWBLT has named Citation Cyber as its Digital Disruptor for 2025. The Digital Disruptor programme supports high growth start up and scale up businesses through 12 months membership of the NWBLT, offering access to influential networks, insight, and opportunities for regional collaboration.
Zain is a technology professional, boasting a 15-year journey within the cyber security domain. As the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Citation Cyber, he has been instrumental in the company’s ascent. Zain’s career is marked by a wealth of experience in training, management, and the formulation of cyber security strategies for global organisations. He leads a team of experts specialising in red team exercises, social engineering simulations, penetration testing and cyber security product development.
Beyond Citation Cyber, Zain’s influence extends as the Director of the North West Cyber Security Cluster and Co-Founder and Chair of the Lancashire Cyber Alliance, as part of the advisory board for Institute of Technology (IoT) Lancashire and Cumbria and Lancashire Cyber Partnership, underscoring his commitment to fostering industry collaboration.
Zain Javed commented: ‘I am delighted that Citation Cyber has been recognised as the NWBLT 2025 Digital Disruptor. This acknowledgement reflects not only our team’s dedication to advancing cyber resilience, but also the North West’s growing role as a national hub for digital innovation. By collaborating with NWBLT members and regional partners, I am confident we can accelerate innovation, strengthen security, and create opportunities that benefit businesses and communities across the region.’
This year’s award marks the handover of the Digital Disruptor award from Chris Mayne, Managing Director of Teleplan Forsberg, who will be continuing as NWBLT Member, contributing valuable insight into the defence sector, and innovative approaches to product design and skills development.
Simone Peppi, Chair of NWBLT said; ‘We are thrilled to welcome Jonathan and Zain to NWBLT, and that Chris Mayne will be continuing his membership. They each bring distinct perspectives and deep expertise that will help strengthen our voice and drive impactful change across the region. Recognising Citation Cyber as our 2025 Digital Disruptor celebrates the kind of forward-thinking leadership and technological ingenuity that will be vital to our region’s future.’
‘We are also delighted to welcome Stephanie Trubshaw, a NWBLT Rising Stars Alumni, as SP Electricity North West’s representative. As long-standing members, and a vital part of our region’s future success, we look forward to Stephanie’s contribution to the work of the NWBLT’.