A growing technology business has expanded its portfolio thanks to support from Wrexham University.
Mark Whitfield, CEO of Employee Passport Limited, created Employee Passport (an all‑in‑one HR and compliance platform for small and medium sized enterprises) after becoming frustrated by multiple disconnected systems for HR that his firm had to navigate.
“I wanted to create one platform where staff could manage their time, expenses, health and safety, and training in one place,” he said.
“We were a small company and creating a new platform required expertise and investment. We couldn't do it alone.
“I approached Wrexham University who suggested a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP); a collaboration that connects a business with a university to help solve an innovation or growth challenge.”
Through Wrexham University, Mark secured £300,000 – funded by Innovate UK and the Welsh Government to begin developing a digital system that could bring HR and wider workplace management together in one place.
Mark visited Wrexham University regularly for three years to work with academics and graduates on developing the computer code for the system that would become Employee Passport, as well as developing the commercial direction of the company.
“It wasn't without its challenges,” said Mark, “but the partnership was essential to progressing the concept. We wouldn't have Employee Passport without the Knowledge Transfer Partnership.”
Laura Gough, Head of Enterprise & Development at Wrexham University, said:
“A KTP is a three‑way collaboration between a business, a university, and a Graduate Associate, designed to bring academic expertise into a company to develop new products, processes or capabilities. It's a cost‑effective way to embed new skills, develop new products, and improve productivity.
“Thanks to the KTP, our graduates joined Mark's company to gain experience, and Mark was able to access specialist knowledge from our academics, research insights, and access to University facilities.”
Numerous Wrexham graduates have gone on to become employees of Mark's, with more joining his team for work experience placements each year, allowing them hands‑on experience working on real commercial technology projects such as building dashboards, coding, data analytics, documentation and system improvements.
“I'm really proud of what we've created,” added Mark. “Employee Passport is a successful ‘one stop shop' for a company's HR needs, and more than 30 of our existing clients have already transitioned onto the system, alongside major brands such as Ford. We're now preparing for a wider market push, and I'm excited to see where it takes us.
“Wrexham University's contribution has been significant at every stage, from early funding and academic guidance to ongoing placements and graduate recruitment. We wouldn't be here without their collaboration.”
