Specialist hired to lead Far East expansion

SADDLEWORTH entrepreneur Gavin Wheeldon is targeting the Asia Pacific region with his latest venture, Purple WiFi.

Mr Wheeldon, from Greenfield, who built up then sold translation business Applied Language Solutions to Capita, has hired experienced sector specialist Allen Pan, who will be based in Shanghai as vice-president of Asia Pacific, with the aim of expanding the social WiFi company in the region.

Purple, based in Ashton, operates cloud-based wifi hotspot technology that offers cafes and similar retailers guest wifi access.

Mr Pan previously worked for wifi network provider Boingo, with a similar expansion brief.

Mr Wheeldon, who still has an office in Delph, said: “The wealth of technical and sales experience, combined with the knowledge of both the Asian business community and WiFi industry Allen brings means we will be exceptionally well-placed to expand in the region.”