Experience
How a single challenge — 'find us a way to trade with Amazon' — grew into a consultancy dedicated to keeping people safe.
- 2001
Where it began
Our founder, Jo Vertigan, started out in digital at Sony — handed a business card and a challenge: “find us a way to trade with this company, it’s an internet book seller called Amazon.” That was the beginning of the journey.
- 2009
Obidos Consulting is founded
Jo established Obidos — named after the Brazilian town at the mouth of the Amazon, where the river runs at its narrowest and swiftest, and after Amazon.com’s original page-rendering engine. A fitting symbol for speed, impact, and the bridge between technology and people.
- 2016
Hackmaster, Hackmasters
Hackmaster at Hackmasters (freelance), Jun 2016 – Dec 2022.
- 2018
Chair of the Delivery Board
Chair of the Delivery Board at the Cambridge Norwich Tech Corridor (part-time), Aug 2018 – Apr 2020.
- 2019
Recognised as Best Newcomer
Obidos was named winner of the 2019 Best Newcomer company award — early recognition of a different, ideas-led approach to digital consulting.
- 2025
Visiting Fellow, Cranfield University
Visiting Fellow in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Cranfield University (part-time, hybrid), Mar 2025 – present.
- Today
Keeping the UK safe
We focus our experience on technology that protects children, adults and citizens, strengthens public services and helps create a safer future across the UK — working with a growing team of specialists.
What people say about our work
Jo brought a different breed of strategy consulting to the team. In contrast to traditional process-led strategy, Jo is an ideas man, pulling strands together to create opportunities. Extremely good at building networks, connections and stimulating ideas and change in environments where operational fatigue often sets in.
Jeremy is, in my opinion, the Guru of the digital media space. He has an enormous amount of experience, but he also breaks-down his approach so it's easy to understand and really cuts-through all the jargon and buzz-words.
Mich is brilliant at aligning strategies and initiatives between complementary businesses, finding opportunities that are both inspiring and commercial. The best networker I have ever had the privilege to work with, where you know the end result will mean success for all concerned.
Jeremy is an amazingly talented individual with a wealth of knowledge that creates commercially resonating solutions for clients. Articulate and an exceptional writer delivering compelling presentations and white papers. A wonderfully stimulating individual who can inspire both teams and clients alike.
Aparna is skilled at processing information incredibly quickly, which allows her to guide her clients to identify both the opportunities and major challenges they might face. A creative thinker and supportive team player who constantly questions how we can achieve better results.
It is always a pleasure to work with Mich. His network, enthusiasm and depth of knowledge will ensure any project you are working on with him will bring success for all. His attention to detail and desire to create & add value gives you confidence that your brand is in the best hands.
Jo is a star. At England 2018 he demonstrated an ability to rapidly adapt to a new sector. Jo is self-directed and has a broad set of digital skills. He proved time and again he can be given a strategic problem, and he will devise and implement a rounded and commercial solution, while keeping multiple stakeholders involved and happy.