About us
Day 1 People Limited (founded in 2021) is a Chippenham‑based consultancy built on decades of experience supporting public-sector and defence organisations. We were founded on the belief that capability, clarity, and disciplined delivery should be accessible from day one, and we bring together specialists with deep operational, commercial, and organisational expertise.
Our team’s experience across major programmes and high-pressure environments gives us the insight to help clients navigate challenges with confidence.
Many programmes struggle not from a lack of ambition, but from gaps in coherence, capacity, or specialist skills. Our goal is to strengthen decision-making, reduce risk, and empower teams - through targeted expertise, independent challenge, or direct delivery support.
We’ve grown by staying true to our purpose, vision, mission, and values, and enrich client’s needs, from the very first conversation. We’re here to make a measurable difference, from day one.
The Next Chapter
In 2025 Day 1 People Limited and Cirrus Software Solutions were joined under the Day 1 People Holdings company. Cirrus excels in secure software and systems engineering, specialising in cloud solutions and data engineering. They work with both private and public clients, including government agencies specialising in critical national infrastructure, national security, and defence.
Our Mission, Vision and Values
Our mission is to cut through complexity and define what matters
We apply best practice methodologies, intelligent tooling and refined processes to solve real-world problems. We deliver agile, people-led solutions which drive measurable improvements in efficiency, effectiveness and organisational performance.
Our vision is to become industry choice for experienced, flexible and people-driven solutions, trusted to support critical projects and programmes focused on Defence and National Security. We aspire to be the partner that organisations turn to when precision, pace and professionalism matter.
What we value most is integrity, loyalty and individuality in all of our work.
Meet the Team
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Andrew King
CEO
Andrew began his career as a Design Engineer before moving into Programme Management and later into a range of operational and business director roles within large corporates. He then transitioned into the SME space, with most of his career spent in defence and security, working across the UK and internationally in complex and demanding environments.
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Craig Steger-Lewis
Commercial and Operations Director
Craig has built his career across the defence sector, holding senior roles at Thales and serving as Vice President at Ultra. He has led major programmes and transformation initiatives, bringing clarity and steady leadership to complex challenges. A Chartered Director with MCIPS and MAPM qualifications, he is passionate about developing strong teams and delivering successful outcomes.
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Will Earl
CFO
Will is a CIMA qualified Management Accountant who has worked across National Security and International Security Standards. He has focused his career on building internal operating systems for SMEs, supporting sustainable growth while maintaining compliance with stringent UK requirements. He brings a practical approach to finance, helping organisations scale in a controlled and structured way.
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Phill Berkley
Head of Business Development
Phill is an experienced business leader with a track record of driving strategic growth across complex defence and security programmes. His career includes senior roles in business improvement, client partnership and programme delivery, along with advisory work for the Ministry of Defence. He is known for building trusted relationships and helping teams deliver consistent, mission-critical outcomes.
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Jez Williams
Chairman
Jez co-founded and was COO of Purple Secure Systems, a consultancy supporting government and national security customers, and led the business through to its acquisition in 2016. He has strong experience in complex engineering programmes as well as in starting, managing and growing organisations, with particular focus on governance, finance, commercial and operational delivery.
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Alasdair Else
CTO
Alasdair is a driven Software and DevOps consultant, who have been instrumental in the development of flagship software systems for world-leading products over two decades. He has used an extensive array of software languages on a range of platforms and domains and led high-performing delivery teams. What gets him out of bed in the morning is his drive to help people, solve problems and leave things in a better state to how he found them.