Pathways to Partnership: Sage Champions Veterans in Tech in the North East

Gateshead, UK – July 2025 – Sage proudly hosted the inaugural Pathways to Partnership: Veterans in Tech North East event, a landmark gathering designed to bridge the gap between military service and thriving tech careers.

In collaboration with TechVets and a host of regional partners, the event at HMS Calliope brought together veterans, industry leaders, and support organisations to foster connections and illuminate opportunities within the North East's dynamic tech sector.

The evening was a resounding success, offering a unique platform for current or former service personnel to explore their next steps in the tech industry. Attendees had the invaluable chance to network with professionals from Sage and other leading North East tech companies, many of whom have successfully transitioned from military life themselves.

A key highlight of the event was a compelling four-person panel featuring Sage colleagues Lee Harker, Andy Heaton, Ross Hold, and Daniel Willcox. They shared their personal journeys as military veterans and offered practical advice on how veterans and service leavers can effectively translate their invaluable military experience into transferable skills for civilian roles, particularly within the tech landscape.

"It was an honour to share my experience transitioning from HM Forces to a career at Sage," said Lee Harker. "Events like this are crucial for helping veterans understand how their unique skills, from leadership and problem-solving to resilience and adaptability; are highly sought after in the tech sector."

The event fostered a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, encouraging informal networking sessions where attendees could connect with Sage veterans and the Pathways Team from Talent Acquisition. This provided a crucial opportunity for in-depth conversations, allowing individuals to ask questions, share their own transition challenges, and gain insights from those who have navigated a similar path.

"The enthusiasm and engagement from both the veterans attending and our partners were truly inspiring," commented Fatima Nixon, Pathways Programme Lead at Sage. "Jo Leniewski, Global Talent Acquisition Director, and I are incredibly proud of what we achieved together. This event is a testament to the commitment from Sage to supporting veterans and recognise the immense value they bring to the workplace."

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Pathways for Veterans

The Pathways to Partnership event signifies a pivotal step in the ongoing commitment at Sage to strengthen partnerships and create meaningful and sustainable pathways for veterans into the tech industry. It underscores the belief that military experience is not just valuable, but a powerful asset in the ever-evolving world of technology.