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Debra Charles is the founder and CEO of Novacroft. Following stints at Apple and Westinghouse, she launched her own business in 1998, shortly after losing her parents to cancer, where she invested £90,000 of her inheritance into the venture. Today, Debra, who suffers from dyslexia, heads up Novacroft, a hugely successful smartcard programme and software solution company – the technology supporting TfL’s Oyster photocard schemes. Named after her mother’s Labrador, the Northamptonshire business is based on the belief that the only barriers in life are those we erect ourselves, and a passion for harnessing technology to help clients “get more for less and make life easier for all”, their company ethos.


The business employs 200 team members and turned over more than £7m last year. Since its launch, it has cut down the application process and delivery time


of Oyster cards from 48 days to 24 hours. The company also supplies regional smartcards and National Rail cards. The business’ impressive client list includes Transport for London and the Royal British Legion. Their long-term vision is to help revolutionise the way the public sector, businesses and charities engage, support and inspire the people and communities they serve, through Novacroft’s Ucando-it social action reward and recognition programmes.


Debra was a finalist in the 2012 NatWest Everywoman awards, before being named entrepreneur alumnus of the year by Cranfield University in 2013. She has recently been named as a finalist for the Smith & Williamson Entrepreneur of the Year, in the National Business Awards 2015. We learn more about her inspiration- al business journey...


40 • ENTREPRENEUR •


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