Preston People: Neon Mountain

We do a regular series on our social media called #PrestonPeople where we feature a local person, group, or business.

For this edition, we had a chat with the founder of Neon Mountain, Tom Crawley. Neon Mountain is a software and digitalisation consultancy based in Preston.

Read on to learn more about why Tom loves Preston as well as what Neon Mountain brings to the table!

Society1: Tell us a bit about you and what you do:

TC: I’m Tom Crawley, co-founder of Neon Mountain, a software and digitalisation consultancy. I’ve been working in the software development industry for over 25 years now (man and boy!), and have been running my own businesses since 2011. In a previous life I was a singer, songwriter and guitar player. I love spicy food, Vimto and posh guitars that I never get around to playing. You’ll usually see me wearing a flowery/nerdy/crazy shirt of some variety.

Society1: What problems does Neon Mountain solve for its customers?

TC: Neon Mountain helps businesses do what they do best by implementing bespoke software or integration solutions built just for them and the way their business works.

We don’t just ask “what do you want us to build?” though, we like to ask “what problems are you trying to solve?” so we can offer a variety of solutions that may or may not involve implementing new software. We’ve built software systems for businesses of all shapes, sizes and industries: from stock management to delivery tracking, redemption websites to proof-of-presence. Even a mobile app for a cake baking startup!

We also offer consultancy for businesses looking to procure or build software. We can look at the business processes and report on where best to invest and ideas to look into.

Society1: What do you love about being based in Preston?

TC: Without question it is the community! Preston has real family feel of businesses that work and play together that has been built over the past few years. Society1 in particular is a great place to meet with local businesses and the events run there are really great.

Society1: What is your “go-to” local business in Preston?

TC: Sorry I’ve got a few!
Obviously Society1 for co-working and for meeting space. Cat, Brendan and Kally have created such a great space to work and collaborate.

Plug and Taps is my go-to place for a nice beer after work. Ben, Joe, Ash and Kally are lovely people and I love our post-Society1 drinks there.

Finally my favourite restaurant anywhere, the Thai Orchid. My wife, Priti, and I have been eating at the Thai Orchid since it first opened over 20 years ago – our order is still the same as it was years ago albeit with extra for the kids! It is a family business and the owner, Alex, is a lovely guy and he makes the best Mai Tais! Order number 31, you won’t regret it!