Our Story

Darren Ridge

CO-FOUNDER

Darren is one of Britain’s leading entrepreneurs, with a wealth of experience in building commercially successful brands. He provides insight and strategic direction to all Ridown Group businesses. Darren firmly believes in the power of strong, trusted and enduring relationships, and the importance of collaboration in delivering growth through clearly defined strategic commercial objectives. He was one of the first entrepreneurs to sell mobile phones on the high street – in 1987 he founded KJC, which grew to be the largest retail chain of its kind in the south, and Vodafone’s first strategic partner.

In 2002 he founded Onecom, leading the business through organic growth and more than 25 strategic acquisitions to become the UK’s largest independent business communications provider, reaching a £200m turnover. He now contributes industry insight and leadership to the Onecom board as a non-executive director.

Darren lives in Hampshire with his wife Maria. He is a prolific supporter of charities, community events, schools, and other good causes regionally, across the UK and abroad. He is the founder of The Ridge Foundation, a charity that supports projects that help young people from challenging backgrounds to learn and thrive.

Aaron Brown

CO-FOUNDER

Known for his strong leadership, ability to inspire teams and keen commercial insight, Aaron specialises in maximising the potential of brands, unlocking investment opportunities and turning them into commercial powerhouses.

He founded his first business selling mobile phones online at the age of just 16 and went on to create the retailer Business Phones Direct.

This business later merged with Premier Telecom to become Onecom – the UK’s leading independent business telecommunications provider.

Aaron plays a highly hands-on role in Ridown Group companies, including day-to-day mentoring and leadership at tech recycling specialist WeBuyAnyPhone.com, broadband provider Onestream and growing business IT solutions provider Hosted.

He is a prolific charity fundraiser, actively supporting children with serious health issues and their families, local community projects, and schools.