“Amusing though it is to those who know him, Sarat was once set to become a brain surgeon. Then he found computers – and discovered his true passion. After moving from India to the UK to study software engineering, he worked as a developer for several years before setting up his own company, hedgehog lab, with fellow developer Mark Forster. hedgehog lab is a human-centred global tech consultancy. Our experts in UXR, UI/UX, engineering, AI, cloud, & data science partner to deliver custom app development and digital transformation services. The business, which has raised £6.3m of investment from Private Equity investors, was ranked #9 in GP Bullhound Fastest Growing Northern Tech businesses and in the Inc 5000 list of fastest-growing European businesses. It was also named one of the Best Workplaces in the UK by Great Place to Work® UK and one of the Most Flexible Companies to work for in 2023 by Flexa. Sarat, who remains passionate about all things digital, is clear on his ambition: to make hedgehog lab one of the world’s biggest and best digital product consultancy.”

“First learning computer science as a child from his older brother, Ed made his debut in tech as an assistant systems admin on just an £8K salary. But that foot in the door was the first step he needed to craft a dynamic and successful career in tech. From there he rose through the ranks of that first software development company before moving on to app specialist and team leader roles at UFI. Ed then joined Sky as an engineer before moving on to become Engineering Manager in 2013. After leaving Sky, he joined Infinity works and rose to the role of Managing Director of Technology before joining us here at HHL as Chief Technology Officer in early 2023. Ed joined hedgehog lab in January 2023 as CTO. He heads up our multi-disciplinary team of developers, UX/UI designers, and behavioural experts as they work their digital magic on web, mobile apps, and connected platforms. “I’ve always been fascinated by the incredible movement and growth in the tech industry. It’s what keeps me interested and pushes us to learn and adapt. And it rewards those looking for opportunities and challenges.””

“Currently leading the User Experience Teams here at hedgehog lab, it’s the human factors of digital product development that interest me the most. Is it easy to use, does it ‘feel right’ in the user’s hands, and will people want to use it? I help our teams answer these questions and many more. I originally trained as an industrial designer and I have worked in the production of physical and digital products internationally, I bring an experienced real-world approach to the digital products we craft here at hedgehog lab. I’ve been actively involved in the design industry for over 25 years 15 of those in digital, no mean feat for someone who still professes to be in his mid-twenties!”

“My role is to ensure that our clients are getting the very best of everything that hedgehog lab has to offer. At the most basic level, the role of my team is to deeply understand each client’s business, goals and pain points, so we can lead our teams to deliver digital solutions that drive real impact. I love data and believe there are few things in life that cannot be improved with a good Excel formula.”

“With over 15 years of digital, software and media experience, I sit on our board and have overall responsibility for Finance, Operations and our People function, additionally support the senior teams on strategy planning. I spearheaded the investment from BGF in hedgehog lab and resulting acquisition of Netsells. Additionally, I previously oversaw an £18mn sale of digital agency Epiphany to JAYWING PLC in 2014. ”

“I’ve got 20+ years of extensive experience across multiple business sectors focused on eCommerce and Digital. Having worked in senior leadership roles for some of the world’s leading agencies and consultancies. Recently leading Perficient’s growth, strategy, business development and digital transformation services expansion internationally.”

“I have worked in the creative, marketing and digital transformation sectors for many years as a Founder, CEO and Chair. Most recently the Agency leader of Accenture Song– Accenture’s agency division – following the sale of Karmarama to Accenture. In this role I had responsibility for Karmarama, Droga5, Rothco, Spark44 and Creative Drive – with over 1,000 colleagues. Ranked one of the “20 Most Influential People in Marketing and Advertising” by The Sunday Times”

“I am an Investor at BGF, based out of the Newcastle office. ​​ I previously led the Corporate Finance team at UNW, a well-established independent accountancy and advisory firm in the North East of England. ​ I have also worked in M&A for 15 years at UNW and before that PwC in London and have extensive experience providing hands-on support to owner managed businesses across a wide range of sectors. ​”