Meet the Team

Managing Director

Establishing the business back in 2002 as Bar Code Data Systems which focused on traditional data capture markets such as warehousing, manufacturing and logistics, Dakota Integrated Solutions was formed as a result of a management buy-out in 2007. Since then the business has gone from strength-to-strength, with the launch of a Healthcare Division in 2008 in order to provide expertise, knowledge and experience to the healthcare industry with a view to providing the know-how to assist NHS Trusts in the improvement of patient care through the adoption of automated and digitalised solutions.

Whilst maintaining an extremely high status within the more traditional markets, Dakota has also gained a reputation for excellence in the field of healthcare, thanks to the enthusiasm of the Dakota Team as a whole, overseen by Keith since the beginning.

Thanks to a technical background, Keith has been able to maintain a strong focus on all aspects of data capture, securing fruitful and mutually-beneficial partnerships with some of the industry’s leading manufacturers and software providers. Skilled at staff management and with an acute sense of business growth and development stratagems, Keith has built up an extremely successful business which is highly regarded within the industry.

Commercial Director

With over 25 years’ experience within the AIDC industry, Phil has previously held Senior Positions at BEC (Systems Integration) Ltd, IBM, Datalogic, Honeywell (a role which earned him the Honeywell Complex Sales Certificate) and his own company, Mi-Zone, where he won the UK’s Special Award for Innovation & Technology from the Government’s Technology Strategy Board (UK-TSB) in 2009/10.

With an intimate understanding of direct and indirect sales of both hardware and software, Phil joined Dakota in January 2021 and is tasked with driving forward the Sales Team and the commercial aspect of the business. 

With the ability to offer a significant depth of knowledge around all relevant technologies and with a firm grasp of complex solutions, Phil takes a consultative and strategic approach towards helping Dakota’s customers maximise their full potential with cost-effective efficiencies, whilst building long-term, trusted partnerships.

Honeywell Vocollect Solutions Voice Certifications:
Voice Sales Professional Certification – Supply Chain
Voice Sales Professional Certification – Maintenance & Inspection

GS1 Certifications:
UK Partner Accreditation

Sales Manager

A member of the Management Team and heading up the Sales Division within Dakota, Karen has 30 years’ experience within the AIDC Industry and has been part of the Dakota Team since its inception in 2002. Karen previously held the position of Head of Print Solutions and was promoted to Sales Manager in March 2021, becoming an integral component in the company’s growth and development.

Tasked with introducing new business to Dakota, Karen is also heavily involved with Key Account Management and relationship selling within the company’s customer base. With a specialist knowledge of printing hardware, solution offerings, supplies and consumables for a wide variety of industry-led applications, Karen has the ability to offer in-depth advice to Dakota’s varied and impressive client base. Enjoying close working relationships with key suppliers and with the skill to negotiate competitive pricing, Karen liaises with all Dakota Team members in order to ensure that targets are met whilst maintaining exceptional levels of customer service.

Head of Service (Delivery & Projects)

With over 13 years’ experience working in IT and service delivery roles, James has experience across a variety of sectors including financial services, retail and SME. Thanks to a strong background in project management and customer assistance, James’s key skills include team, service and project management and operational improvement, as well as the ability to demonstrate excellent communication skills at all levels, whether it be with customers, executives or stakeholders alike.

Since joining Dakota in 2018 and becoming a member of the Management Team in 2020, James has been responsible for the implementation of a new web-based service management system designed to improve Dakota’s Managed Service offering and the overall support process for our customers. He is also responsible for a number of projects across the logistics, petrochemical and healthcare sectors, as well as continuous operational procedure review and improvement across the board.

Technical Manager

Part of the Dakota Team since 2003 and with over 25 years’ industry experience under his belt, Mike has a wealth of experience in developing front-end data capture solutions and supporting the post-sales technical needs of our customers. 

Equipped with the knowledge base to be able to successfully integrate our hardware and software solutions into warehousing systems, ODBC-compliant databases and most Patient Administration Systems we encounter within the NHS, Mike is also extremely well-versed in the complete suite of Zebra mobile computers and scanners which invariably form a major part of our solution offerings. Fully GS1-Accredited and with extensive experience in label design packages and rapid application programming development tools, Mike is always happy to help with any technical support queries which come his way.

Principal Software Developer

With over 10 years’ experience in software development, Haroon joined Dakota in January 2024. He previously held the position of Senior .Net Developer at BCN Group Ltd and that of Software Developer at both Aurora Kendrick James Ltd and Civica. Tasked with the responsibility of being the lead development resource at Dakota, Haroon’s new appointment will see him working on a number of in-house projects from a software architecture prospective.

Equipped with a strong software development skillset and a wide-ranging technical knowledge, Haroon is a full-stack .NET hybrid cloud solutions specialist which, coupled with his tenacity, excellent communication skills and pinpoint attention to detail, will help to expedite, enhance and enrich Dakota’s numerous solution-based projects within its varied customer base.

Software Developer

A motivated and enthusiastic University of Cambridge Master of Engineering graduate specialising in Information and Computer Engineering, Luke brings a robust understanding of programming theory, data science and machine learning to the Dakota Team, since joining the business in May 2024. Skilled in Python, C# and SQL with additional proficiency in web development technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, as well as Linux command-line operations, Luke is committed to developing his ongoing skillset to further enhance his existing skills whilst remaining in touch with emerging technologies.

With the ability to thrive in collaborative settings and harnessing a proven track record of working within teams in a variety of environments, Luke is tasked with building out internal use systems, assisting Dakota’s Principal Software Developer with solution development, and supporting cloud administration duties.

Head of Strategic Accounts

With over 20 years of experience within account management roles, Charlie joined Dakota’s Healthcare Solutions Team in March 2021. A confident, determined and self-motivated sales professional, Charlie is well-versed in driving revenue growth, client acquisition and customer satisfaction through direct end user engagement and via sales channels.

Thanks to a strong history of managing senior level relationships and driving sales of technology solutions and FMCG goods across multiple vertical markets, Charlie joins us from Honeywell and is tasked with helping to further develop Dakota’s already strong reputation in providing mission-critical data capture solutions to the Healthcare sector. Having already completed Pareto and Richmond sales training and with various Honeywell Voice Solutions Sales Accreditations under his belt, Charlie’s wide-ranging skillset further enhances Dakota’s existing reputation as a leading Healthcare Solution Provider.

Business Development Manager

John joined Dakota in June 2021 as a Business Development Manager specialising in Voice-directed technology with a firm focus on Maintenance and Inspection applications. After culminating several years’ experience as an international aftersales professional working for several dealerships, manufacturers and corporates across the automotive industry, John’s new role will involve the evaluation of our clients’ processes working within a range of industries to create innovative business-enhancement solutions.

Offering a substantial depth of knowledge of the very latest state-of-the-art technologies that are purpose-built for the improvement of practices across a number of diverse sectors, John’s main focus is to help customers achieve substantial business benefits through the standardisation of their documentation, efficiency and compliance in order to improve upon operational procedures through the use of cutting-edge Voice technology.

Account Manager (Supply Chain)

With 22 years of experience within the print consumables industry under her belt, Julie is well-suited to her role of Account Manager within our Supply Chain department. Having joined Dakota in May 2023, Julie has held a number of Senior Account Manager roles during her career, working for the likes of Armor-IIMAK, the global leader in thermal transfer ribbons, and PrisymID, selling print solutions across the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Boasting a strong technical background and adept at developing, building and nurturing long-term relationships with her customers, Julie is skilled at helping businesses grow through the provision of training and in-depth technical advice. With the ability to communicate at all levels within an organisation, Julie’s experience has enabled her to work with a range of customers, from end-users and resellers to OEMs. A keenness to problem-solve and find solutions to clients’ requirements regardless of industry sector, Julie is a strong team player who places honesty, hard work and trust high on her list of priorities.

Account Manager (Healthcare Solutions)

Working in sales for over twelve years and specifically within the Healthcare industry for ten years, Jon joined Dakota in 2016 as an Account Manager within the Healthcare Team. With a focus on developing and nurturing Dakota’s NHS customers, Jon also represents the company at corporate events, advising existing and potential clients on the best fit-for-purpose solutions based off their data collection and automation requirements.

Jon was also the main lead in the company’s establishment and focus of its eTrakLogic GS1-certified tracking software solution, from the early development stage through to the first go-live almost five years ago. Heavily involved in Dakota’s Scan4Safety programme, Jon successfully helped to support all six GSI Demonstrator sites on their implementation journey, ensuring that Dakota is well-placed to assist other NHS Trusts in moving forward on similar journeys in the future.

Account Manager (Healthcare Solutions)

With over 15 years’ experience in a number of customer service-focused roles, Danielle joined Dakota in October 2020. A highly motivated and knowledgeable member of the Sales Team, Danielle is tasked with providing and delivering solutions to existing and prospective customers alike and supporting long-term named accounts whilst understanding their complete end-to-end product and solution requirements.

With a rich history in customer management and retention, underpinned by great product and industry knowledge, Danielle is a proven problem solver with well-developed process improvement skills and the ability to perform under pressure. Experienced in building a rapport with customers and with a keen desire to keep up-to-date with the latest products and technologies, Danielle is a highly-valued member of the team.

Internal Sales & Support

With a solid background in customer service provision thanks to years of experience within a number of varying industry sectors, Emma brings her customer-focused expertise, positivity, enthusiasm and knowledge to her new Internal Sales & Support role at Dakota. Having joined the company earlier this month, Emma is already a highly valued member of the fast-paced and ever-growing Dakota Sales Team, working to support the Sales Manager and Key Account Managers in many different aspects of their day-to-day tasks.

Boasting excellent communication and organisational skills and with a passion for helping to build solid customer and client relationships, Emma will play a fundamental role in the provision of sales support, assisting with increasing the sales of products and services within existing and potential accounts, liaising with suppliers and following up on prospective client leads, as well as helping to manage and grow Dakota’s extensive number of house accounts as part of the Sales Team.

Marketing Manager

With 20 years’ marketing experience within the AIDC industry, Ellie joined Dakota in September 2020. She previously held the position of Northern European Marketing Manager at Honeywell, a job which saw her work extensively and collaboratively with a number of Honeywell’s pan-European technology partners, distributors and resellers. She has also worked as an Account Manager at Essential Communications, one of the industry’s leading B2B technology marketing and PR agencies.

Thanks to strong industry and product knowledge as well as excellent communication and organisational skills, Ellie’s expertise lies in the initiation, coordination and management of the complete spectrum of marketing activities with Dakota’s key partners and vendors, helping to sustain, grow and develop the company’s business relationships. She is also responsible for coordinating all aspects of Dakota’s corporate marketing stratagems, which include budget, planning and strategy management.

Graphics Designer

With a strong background in IT and design, Chryssanthi joined Dakota in June 2021 having worked with the company on a freelance basis for several months prior to joining the Team on a permanent basis. During her time working with Dakota, Chryssanthi has already played a pivotal role from a design perspective in several projects including corporate rebranding, the redesign of the company website and the introduction of new, fresh and vibrant livery.

With a fantastic eye for design, excellent attention to detail and a firm understanding of various IT, creative and graphics programmes, Chryssanthi is responsible for setting up templates for company procedures and documentation as well as designing the layout for internal and customer-facing collateral. She also acts as a valuable support to the Marketing Manager on a day-to-day basis, assisting with projects from a design concept perspective and is always on the lookout for novel ideas in order to keep Dakota’s marketing materials looking bright, original and contemporary.

Financial Controller

With over 30 years’ experience in bookkeeping and financial control as well as venturing into various internal and external sales roles, Karen has worked within a number of industries over the years. Skilled at liaising with customers from small to medium-sized businesses right up to large, multi-million pound enterprises, Karen is also fully-acquainted with the latest importing and exporting legislation, including VAT, import duties and levies.

Highly organised and with a keen eye for detail, Karen is well-versed in the handling and supervising of all of the business’s credit control needs, including monitoring cash flow, forecasting and controlling the sales and purchase ledger. Tasked with ensuring that payment dates are always met, Karen utilises her exceptional communication skills within her role to maintain a constant flow of communication between Dakota and its customers from both a financial and commercial standpoint. 

Customer Service Manager

With over 30 years’ customer service experience, Laura has been an integral part of the Dakota Team since joining in 2017. With a history of similar positions amongst a wide range of industries prior to joining Dakota, Laura has many areas of responsibility within her current role. Tasked with building good working relationships with Dakota’s customers, Laura’s varied skillset allows her and her team to be the main point of contact for any ordering or shipping requirements.

Thanks to excellent communication skills and a good eye for detail, Dakota’s Customer Service Team is able to process over 500 orders per month.  Laura also manages Dakota’s warehouse and with the help of her colleagues, arranges all shipments, pallets and same-day courier services. The management of stock also falls under Laura’s remit, in addition to dealing with call-offs and queries as well as co-ordinating and relaying shipment dates to Dakota’s entire customer base.

Customer Service Representative

With a number of previous job roles involving Freight Forwarding, Inside Sales and Customer Service spanning a variety of industries, Louise joined Dakota’s Customer Service Team in 2022. Tasked with many areas of responsibility within her current role, Louise is able to rely upon her wide-ranging skill set in order to work efficiently, reliably and accurately to ensure that timescales are consistently met.

Thanks to excellent communication and organisational skills, Dakota’s Customer Service Team is able to process over 500 orders per month.  Louise also helps to manage Dakota’s warehouse and assists in the arrangement of all shipments, pallets and same-day courier services. The management of stock also falls under Louise’s remit, in addition to dealing with call-offs and queries and co-ordinating and relaying shipment dates to Dakota’s entire customer base. 

Warehouse Supervisor

With a varied working history within a number of roles and industries, Karl joined the Dakota Team in May 2021 as our new Warehouse Supervisor. Resourceful and able to creatively solve problems in a timely manner, Karl will take on full ownership of the day-to-day running of our busy warehouse.

Equipped with the skills required to actively manage stock control, Karl is responsible for organising daily shipments to our customers including pallets of labels destined for A&E departments, pharmacies, surgeries and distribution centres as well as up to 18 million wristbands per year to the NHS Supply Chain and Private Hospitals.