Jon Leighton is the founder and director of Land Digital, a company that creates software solutions to help businesses work more efficiently, particularly in transport and mobility. His career includes having owned a pub, stared an online tour company in Rome and launching a SaaS business. In 2009, Mr Leighton founded iResources as a web development company, later expanding into software development. In 2017, a merger led to the creation of Land Digital, widening its services and customer base.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? My first job was as a waiter at a local hotel, earning £2.38 an hour plus tips—and I loved it. I got to meet all sorts of people and really enjoyed the fast-paced culture (late nights and early mornings were much easier to handle at 17).
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? I’ve never been one to actively seek advice, but I’m always interested in the journeys people have taken and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. In terms of support, my first client – who stayed with us for over 12 years – probably acted more as a mentor than a client. They gave me invaluable guidance on all the ‘business stuff’ you don’t know when you’re just starting out and growing.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing? AI is a major shift with huge potential across all sectors. The real challenge is understanding what that means for our industry while the technology itself continues to evolve at pace – but it’s a challenge everyone is facing.
What would your dream job be? Running a VHS/DVD rental business with a ‘High Fidelity’ vibe – think a really cool Blockbuster, but with film showings throughout the day. Absolutely no viable business model, which is exactly why it’s a dream!
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? Go out there, meet lots of people, make plenty of mistakes – and learn from both to support your career growth. There’s so much opportunity out there, so it’s worth taking the time to explore what’s available to you.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? The North East is a fantastic place to do business because of its strong sense of community, resilience, and talent. There’s a real spirit of collaboration here, with businesses supporting each other and a growing pool of skilled people driving innovation. It’s a region full of opportunity, with a great quality of life to match.
How important is it for business to play a role in society? I t’s incredibly important for any business to be a positive influence – not just locally, but wherever it operates. Wherever you go, you should always aim to leave things better than you found them.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? I am exceptionally good at getting lost – whether in a car, on a mountain walk, or while skiing. I’m definitely not the person to follow or trust with a map. If I’m leading the way, you can almost guarantee we’re heading in the wrong direction.
Who would play you in a film about your life? My wife seems to think Bill Nighy might be a good option.
Which three people would you invite to a dinner party, and why? Alive or dead? I’d have to go with David Bowie, Ricky Gervais, and Prof Scott Galloway. I probably wouldn’t understand half the conversation, but it would definitely be a great night.
