At Manchester Digital, we like to interview our members to find out a bit more about what they do and their work in the Greater Manchester digital and technology sphere. This week, we're speaking with Chris Barlow, Business Development Associate at Remtek Systems Ltd and Remtek Workplace.
1. Please introduce yourself …
I’m Chris Barlow, Business Development Associate at Remtek Systems Ltd and Remtek Workplace. My role bridges people and partnerships, translating needs into inclusive, tech-enabled solutions that genuinely improve lives. Whether I’m out on-site, behind a campaign, or refining service delivery, my focus is always the same: how can we make work more accessible, more sustainable, and more human?
2. What sets Remtek Systems apart from competitors in the assistive technology sector?
At Remtek, we lead with people, not products. That’s what makes us different. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Every service, every recommendation, every coaching session is bespoke to the individual and their environment.
Our approach is holistic, built on years of experience across workplace assessments, coaching, assistive technology training, and disability inclusion. We’re not just here to install software or shift boxes off a shelf. We’re here to build confidence, remove barriers, and embed long-term impact.
3. How do you see the demand for assistive technology evolving over the next five years?
Demand is growing, and rightly so. But more than that, the expectation is changing. People want tech that blends into their day-to-day tools and empowers independence, not dependency. Employers are also becoming more proactive, seeing accessibility as a baseline, not a bonus.
Looking ahead, we see a shift toward integrated support, where assistive technology, coaching, and inclusive design all sit side by side. It’s not just about tech doing more. It’s about workplaces being designed from the ground up to be inclusive for everyone.
4. How does Remtek approach partnerships and collaborations within the industry?
We approach every partnership with a clear sense of purpose and long-term strategy. For us, it’s never just about delivering a service. It’s about working alongside organisations to shape inclusive cultures, futureproof accessibility, and embed support that grows with the needs of their people.
Our starting point is always vision. We look for partners who see inclusion as part of their broader organisational evolution, not a compliance tick-box. From there, we work collaboratively to build practical, scalable solutions that align with their operational goals and cultural values.
Internally, we ensure our delivery teams are aligned with that same vision. That means clear onboarding, shared KPIs, and regular strategic reviews so we’re always learning and evolving together.
Culture is at the core of our collaborations. We take time to understand how each partner works, communicate transparently, and respond with agility. And because we build in feedback loops at every stage, we’re constantly improving, together.
In short, our partnerships are grounded in shared ambition, mutual respect, and a genuine desire to drive impact at scale. We’re not here to be a supplier. We’re here to be a strategic partner in building inclusive, future-ready workplaces.
5. Can you share a success story where your technology made a significant impact on a customer’s life?
We recently supported an employee returning to work following a long-term health condition. They were overwhelmed by the pace and pressure of re-engaging with systems and expectations. Through a combination of reasonable adjustments, including workplace strategy coaching and specialist DSE equipment, we helped them build new strategies for communication, focus, and workload management, while ensuring they were comfortable and supported at their workstation.
The shift in their confidence and performance was tangible, not just for them, but for the whole team around them. It’s a reminder that small adjustments, when delivered with care and clarity, can create transformational results.
6. Remtek has had some real success stories with apprentices that have grown with the business. What do you think makes your apprenticeship programme so effective?
We see our apprentices as future leaders, not just temporary support. That mindset shapes everything, from the projects we give them to the mentoring they receive. It’s not about box-ticking. It’s about real-world skills, real-world responsibility, and a culture that celebrates learning from day one.
We also make space for people to grow in the direction that suits them. Whether it’s tech, operations, marketing, or coaching support, we help our apprentices carve a path that aligns with their strengths and interests. Several former apprentices are still here 20 years later, and now hold key roles in the business, including myself and the COO Nick Dalli, and that progression really matters to us.
7. With such a rapid increase in team size recently, maintaining company culture can be a challenge. How have you ensured that Remtek’s values and close-knit feel remain intact?
It’s something we talk about often and something we actively protect. We’ve scaled, yes, but we haven’t lost sight of who we are. That means hiring based on values, not just skillsets. It means investing in internal training around diversity, accessibility, and Neuroinclusion. It means listening, reflecting, and adapting as we grow.
We’ve also built a culture of transparency, where everyone has a voice and every voice is respected. Whether someone’s new to the team or has been here for years, we want them to feel seen, supported, and empowered to contribute.
8. If you could pick one main thing you hope to gain from this community, what would it be and why?
Connection. We’re all navigating the same challenges: supporting diverse individuals, managing rapid change, and striving to make a difference. But too often we work in silos.
What we’d love from this community is open dialogue. A space to share what works (and what doesn’t), to spark new ideas, and to collectively raise the standard of inclusive workplace support across the board.
