Teroy Spencer | IT Director | A.C. Entertainment Technologies Ltd.
Teroy Spencer’s journey into the tech industry began with his first role at the Ministry of Defence (MOD), where he implemented a highly secure and customized ERP system. This complex project was not only a challenging opportunity but also a pivotal learning experience that laid the foundation for his career. From there, he transitioned seamlessly across various industries, gaining valuable knowledge and expertise at each step. Over time, he worked under the leadership of numerous managers, taking the best practices from each and identifying ways to address areas for improvement. This approach has helped shape Teroy into the effective leader he is today. His strong passion for technology, combined with his business acumen, consistently drives him to align technological initiatives with business goals, enabling successful outcomes for the organizations he serves. At EliteX, we are proud to have Teroy Spencer as part of the edition: Prominent Tech Leaders in UK, 2024.
Teroy’s inspiration to pursue a career in technology stems from his deep fascination with the field, which he combined with his business studies background. He firmly believes that technology is not just a support tool but a key enabler of business success. This belief has fueled his desire to leverage innovative technology to meet strategic objectives. In his opinion, no business can claim leadership within its industry without fully embracing technology. The potential to integrate technological advancements with organizational goals motivates him to continue learning and thriving in this dynamic field.
“Teamwork is the backbone of organizational success and a key driver of growth.”
Throughout his career, Teroy has achieved several key milestones that stand out as moments of pride and recognition. One of the most significant accomplishments was his admission to the board of directors, a testament to his contributions and impact on the organizations he has worked with. This role provided him with a platform to influence strategic decisions and help drive the vision and growth of the company forward. Another highlight of Teroy’s career was being recognized as a “CIO100” leader, placing him among the top IT leaders in the country. This prestigious award acknowledged his leadership, dedication, and the innovative solutions he has brought to the industry. Additionally, Teroy has been at the forefront of pioneering innovations within the companies he has served. These innovations have enhanced operational efficiencies and positioned those companies as leaders within their respective industries.
When reflecting on current technology trends in the UK, Teroy identifies four key areas driving significant advancements: artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. AI, in particular, is transforming businesses by enabling smarter decision-making and automating processes. The introduction of 5G is enhancing connectivity, making it possible for businesses to operate more efficiently with faster and more reliable internet access. Cloud computing continues to revolutionize how data is stored, accessed, and managed, offering unparalleled scalability and flexibility for businesses of all sizes. At the same time, cybersecurity remains a critical focus area as organizations work to protect digital assets and ensure data privacy. These trends reflect the pace of innovation in the UK and are shaping the future of industries across the country.
The tech industry in the UK has undergone remarkable growth and transformation in recent years, emerging as a leader on the global stage. There has been a surge in tech startups and unicorn companies, driving a culture of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Regional tech hubs such as Manchester and Bristol have experienced significant growth, particularly in impact technology areas like green energy and healthcare. Despite global challenges, the UK tech sector remains resilient, consistently attracting new businesses and investments. The dynamic and innovative character of the industry ensures that it continues to adapt and thrive.
Currently, Teroy’s main focus lies in delivering on his company’s newly established IT strategic plan. His efforts are centered on enhancing the organization’s secure, agile, and innovative infrastructure. This includes integrating generative AI (GenAI), cloud technologies, and modern ERP and CRM systems. By optimizing processes and leveraging the company’s technological ecosystem, Teroy and his team are working toward achieving greater efficiency and delivering more with fewer resources. Teroy’s company aims to make a significant difference in the tech world by implementing initiatives that prioritize security, agility, and sustainability. One of their main focuses is the adoption of generative AI and advanced cybersecurity measures, such as zero-trust security models and threat intelligence. Additionally, they are reducing their digital footprint while ensuring the resilience of their systems. Sustainability is another critical area, with the company striving to ensure that technological advancements are environmentally responsible. By combining security, innovation, and sustainability, Teroy’s company is driving positive change and helping set new benchmarks in the tech world.
“Innovation drives our ability to adapt, grow, and create value for stakeholders.”
One of the recent challenges Teroy faced was the integration of a new cybersecurity framework across his organization. The primary obstacle was the lack of cybersecurity literacy among team members, which initially slowed progress. To address this, Teroy and his team implemented a multi-faceted approach. They developed tailored training programs specific to the organization’s needs and introduced engaging learning methods, such as gamification and hands-on training components. These strategies made the training process more effective and enjoyable, leading to better information retention. Additionally, Teroy emphasized the importance of cross-team collaboration, fostering empathy and repeatable processes to ensure successful implementation. As a result, the organization became more cybersecurity-aware and successfully integrated the new framework. Looking ahead, Teroy sees technology playing a transformative role in shaping the future of business in the UK. He highlights key trends such as AI, automation, 5G, IoT, and cloud computing, which are creating smarter, more connected business operations. AI and automation, in particular, are driving efficiency and enabling the development of new business models. Emerging technologies like quantum computing and blockchain are poised to revolutionize sectors such as healthcare and finance, while cybersecurity will remain a top priority as digital transformation accelerates. These advancements will help UK businesses remain competitive and resilient in an ever-changing global market.
Innovation, according to Teroy, is central to his company’s success. It drives their ability to adapt, grow, and meet customer needs in a constantly evolving market. By continuously exploring new technologies and fostering a culture of creativity, the organization can enhance its products, services, and operational processes. Innovation also enables the company to remain competitive while creating long-term value for stakeholders. Teroy believes that fostering an innovative mindset is essential for achieving sustainable growth and staying ahead in the tech industry.
To stay updated with the rapid changes in the tech industry, Teroy relies on a mix of learning methods. He regularly reads industry publications, subscribes to technology-focused newsletters, and attends conferences and events. These activities provide him with opportunities to learn about the latest trends, developments, and best practices while networking with other professionals in the field. This continuous learning approach ensures that he stays well-informed and prepared to address the evolving challenges in the tech world.
When offering advice to young people interested in working in the tech industry, Teroy emphasizes the importance of hard work, curiosity, and an open mindset. He encourages them to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and to develop a problem-solving attitude. Staying updated with industry trends and emerging technologies is also essential for building a strong foundation in tech. He advises young professionals to ask questions, seek help when needed, and remain persistent in their efforts. With dedication and a positive attitude, they can achieve success in the dynamic and ever-evolving tech industry. Teamwork, Teroy believes, plays a crucial role in achieving organizational goals. By fostering collaboration and trust among team members, companies can leverage diverse skills and perspectives to solve problems creatively and efficiently. Teamwork enhances communication, strengthens relationships, and ensures that complex projects are executed successfully. According to Teroy, it is the backbone of organizational success and a key driver of innovation and growth.
“Technology is not just a support tool but a key enabler of business success.”
Looking ahead to the coming year, Teroy is excited about several upcoming projects and goals within his company. His focus includes modernizing the IT infrastructure, optimizing cybersecurity systems, and supporting digital transformation initiatives. Key projects include implementing automation technologies, scaling digital capabilities, and rolling out a new ERP system. These efforts will help the organization remain at the forefront of the tech industry, providing better services to stakeholders and adapting to the rapidly changing technological landscape.
When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave in the tech industry, Teroy envisions being remembered for his leadership, innovation, and positive contributions. He aims to create a lasting impact by advancing technological solutions that align seamlessly with business objectives. Teroy also hopes to be recognized for pioneering key innovations that improve efficiency and foster organizational success. In addition, he is passionate about enhancing cybersecurity literacy and building resilient infrastructures to prepare organizations for future challenges. By inspiring future generations to pursue excellence and innovation, Teroy aspires to leave behind a legacy that reflects his commitment to technology, leadership, and meaningful progress within the industry.