Naomi Timperley

'Instead of stepping back, I chose to speak up’

Part of the Tech Women Celebration 50 – a curated list of some of the most inspirational women working at all levels of tech

Naomi Timperley is an award-winning business consultant and a leading voice in the UK tech ecosystem. She is the co-founder of Tech North Advocates and UK Lead for Global Tech Advocates, organisations committed to championing innovation and supporting the growth of the digital and tech sectors.

With over 14 years of mentoring experience, Naomi has supported hundreds of startups and growth-stage businesses, particularly in the tech, digital, and creative industries. She has designed and delivered award-winning programmes at local, national, and international levels. Her expertise includes AI adoption, digital transformation, and fostering collaboration between corporates and startup ecosystems.

Naomi is trained in AJ&Smart Design Sprints and is currently the Innovation Director at Merseyway Innovation Centre in Stockport, where she helps businesses innovate and scale. A sought-after speaker, she delivers engaging and practical talks that inspire organisations to embrace digital change.

Naomi is also a published thought leader, having co-authored two chapters in the academic book Strategic Digital Transformation, A Results-Driven Approach, focusing on embedding innovation and creating impactful, change-led events within organisations.

What does the nominee consider her biggest achievement to date?

Naomi's crowning achievement is her leadership in launching and scaling Tech North Advocates into a global movement that champions technology development across the North of England. By facilitating connections between startups, scale‑ups, investors, and corporates, she has helped hundreds of companies access vital networks and resources. This initiative has been recognised as a vital contribution to regional tech equity.

A passionate advocate for digital diversity, Naomi has spearheaded youth‑focused entrepreneurship programmes in schools and colleges across Manchester, councils, and national initiatives. She focuses on closing the digital skills gap by promoting roles beyond coding such as UX design and agile leadership and pushing for socio‑economic inclusivity.

Naomi has directly mentored over 500 early‑stage businesses, applying design sprint methodology and practical innovation strategy to help founders go to market, expand, and secure investment.

What is the most significant challenge the nominee has overcome?

Naomi writes:

Over the last four years, I have endured one of the most distressing experiences of my life: a sustained campaign of online stalking and harassment.

As someone who has spent my career championing innovation, mentoring founders, and advocating for women in tech, I never imagined I would become a victim in such a way. The abuse spanned LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram - platforms I used daily to support others and grow communities. It was personal, relentless, and deeply damaging. Despite a guilty plea in court and multiple bail breaches, much of the content remains online.

This experience profoundly affected my mental health, professional confidence, and personal relationships. As someone with ADHD, the emotional and cognitive toll was even more acute - the constant hyper vigilance, anxiety, and disruption to structure and focus made everyday life incredibly difficult.

But, I refused to stay silent. Instead of stepping back, I chose to speak up - publicly and consistently. I shared my story as part of a BBC Panorama investigation, have delivered training to Greater Manchester Police, and have used my platform to advocate for change in how victims of digital abuse are treated, particularly in the tech space.

I've continued mentoring, advising, and leading, even through the hardest moments. I co-founded Tech North Advocates and lead Global Tech Advocates UK. I continue to support hundreds of startups, SMEs and founders through innovation programmes and policy engagement all while rebuilding my sense of safety and voice.

This challenge has reshaped how I lead. It's made me more empathetic, more determined, and more vocal about the responsibility we all share to create safer, more inclusive spaces, online and offline. Being recognised in this context would not just honour my work in tech it would acknowledge the strength it takes to keep going.

Tell us something about the nominee that people would find surprising?

Despite her high‑profile career in tech and innovation, Naomi has a quirky obsession with cash registers. As she once shared with Prolific North, "I am obsessed with cash registers and every time I go to Costco the first thing I do is press the buttons on the ones that are for sale!”

This playful habit reflects her delight in exploring everyday gadgets and reminds us that curiosity isn't limited to cutting-edge tech - it can be found in the simple tools around us.