Pavlou quits software firm to return to roots

Jan 7 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

A LEADING North East businesswoman has left the leisure software company she co-founded just over a year ago to return to her roots in human resources.

Former North East Chamber of Commerce president Maggie Pavlou has stepped down as a director of Sunderland-based Leisure, Travel and Tourism (LT&T). Co-founder Paul Callaghan has also resigned as LT&T company secretary but remains a director.

Mr Callaghan is chairman of technology business the Leighton Group, which took LT&T under its umbrella of companies. He is also a former chairman of Business Link North East and founding member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

Ms Pavlou, who previously worked as HR Director at Newcastle-based holiday park company Parkdean Holidays, has teamed up with another former LT&T colleague Claire Leonard to set up Leonard Pavlou Consulting.

She said that the economic climate had put paid to her plans at LT&T, which developed software products for the leisure industry, including pubs, hotels and public sector leisure agencies.

“Over the past 12 months we have developed two innovative products for industries in the leisure travel and tourism sector. Unfortunately we could not have foreseen the extent of the impact on the sector and we have decided it would be wise to put the concept, launch and further product development on hold until we can see some economic upturn,” she said.

Both Ms Pavlou and Ms Leonard worked together at Parkdean before teaming up again for the launch of LT&T. The two women are joint managing directors of Leonard Pavlou, which will concentrate on their respective specialities of HR and marketing and communications.

Ms Pavlou said: “My background is in restructuring and development and that is huge in this economic climate. Timing is everything.

“In this current climate I will be working alongside companies to help them manage, develop and at times realign their workforce to ensure they remain competitive and proactive in these challenging times.

“As the former president of NECC I still believe the North East remains a place that provides excellent opportunities for people to succeed in business – we are a strong community of positive and passionate people and I am confident that our new business will provide us with the opportunity to work with lots of thriving North East- based businesses.”

LT&T was the brainchild of Ms Pavlou who spent two decades working in the leisure industry. The One North East tourism advisory board member set up the business in 2007 and served as its chief executive.

LT&T’s future is now under review. It is understood the company is not considered viable in its present form during the economic downturn.

It is still part of the Leighton Group, which has absorbed most of the LT&T staff and is continuing to work with the business’ clients Northumbrian Water, Kielder Water and Forest Park and Perth and Kinross Council.

PAGE TWO: Read an interview with Maggie Pavlou from 2005 when she was first appointed as NECC president.