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Featured on Hits Radio: Helping charities from being “left behind” in digital world

We’re thrilled to share that our founder, Chris Carroll, was recently featured on Hits Radio for his groundbreaking campaign, ‘More than Change’, aimed at helping charities avoid being “left behind” in today’s digital world, here is the article.

A Teesside business leader’s started a new campaign to help charities from being “left behind” in the digital world.

It’ll see things like apps, websites and e-commerce systems built in order to give out support quicker and to receive donations easier.

Entrepreneur Chris Carroll, founder of The Resolved Group in Hartlepool, has created ‘More than Change’ to encourage fellow UK tech firms to follow his lead and gift charities these vital tools.

He said: “More than Change is about driving home the message that these good causes need more than just the silver in your pocket to survive.

“In this day and age, a charity’s most import assets are its digital systems – and if we want them to thrive, the tech sector should lead the way with the support and tools to make that happen.”

Chris says he already creates and donates one platform a year to a chosen charity. To date, the company has built systems to support organisation in everything from education and mental health to dementia care.

And with soaring costs swallowing up limited charity budgets, Chris believes the tech sector needs to “step up to the plate” to help the third-sector survive.

He said: “The reality is people don’t donate to help a charity build an app.

“But without the right digital platforms, many good causes simply won’t survive.

“These systems are expensive, but for a charity, they are more critical than ever.”

The Charities Aid Foundation’s UK Giving Report revealed that almost half of donations are now made online – a figure that’s more than doubled in less than a decade.

Additionally, the Charity Digital Skills Report 2025 found that 74 per cent of charities say digital is a priority, yet less than half have a strategy.

For many, cost was cited as a major barrier.

Chris added: “Charities are being asked to deliver results on smaller budgets and against the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, meaning core costs – like rent and wages – are already a real struggle to cover.

“Throw in the cost of an app or website, and suddenly a charity can find itself in a pretty perilous situation.”

Chris is inviting charities and good causes to apply for help through Resolve Changing Lives, a branch of the company created solely to do good – and give back to the communities the company operates in.

To enquire about help, email hello@resolvedgroup.co.uk.

Resolved Group moves into new Hartlepool headquarters

We were recently featured in The Northern Echo, which covered our growth, our expansion into new headquarters, and the increasing global demand for our specialist digital repair services, here is the article.

A digital consultancy has expanded into a new headquarters after “shattering” its first-year expectations.
The Resolved Group, based in Hartlepool and launched just a year ago, has grown rapidly, winning awards, expanding internationally, and moving into a new office in the centre of the town following increased demand for its specialist digital repair services.
The company focuses on fixing and optimising digital platforms—including websites, CRMs and apps—that it did not originally build, offering a service model that founder Chris Carroll says is around 80 per cent more cost-effective than a complete rebuild.
Mr Carroll, who has more than 25 years of industry experience, said:
“We are now in a great position where clients are seeking us out, rather than vice versa, in part due to our technical expertise and the fact we have such a strong and unique niche. That demand means we can carefully select who we want to work with, and the ideal clients are those who don’t just take what we do for granted but who see us as a partner and work with us to help deliver the best results for them.”

At the heart of the business is Resolve Beyond, a service designed to help organisations turn their existing technology into engines for growth.
Mr Carroll said the company’s “exceptional demand” has created a waiting list extending well into 2026. Plans are now underway to expand the global team in the New Year to fulfil that demand. The new headquarters will help “future-proof” the business as it prepares for further job growth.
In addition to its Hartlepool office, The Resolved Group operates a sister site in Ahmedabad, India, approximately 7,000km away. The second site was needed amid a boom in demand from international markets, with enquiries from the likes of the UAE and the USA – which have risen dramatically since January – meaning Mr Carroll quickly realised the business needed to be transformed into a 24/7 operation.

That strategic shift has set the company on a new trajectory. The Resolved Group is now on course to be valued by £10m by the decade’s end.
The company has also been recognised with several industry accolades. It was named Teesside’s Best New Start-Up at the North East Business Awards and received two nominations at the Hartlepool Business Awards. These included Best Digital Business, as well as a nomination in the Dynamite Awards.
However, Mr Carroll said the company’s impact on clients and communities is the most rewarding measure of its success. He said:
“The Resolved Group isn’t just about rebuilding systems. A huge part of why this company was launched was to do good in our communities. In the North East, we’ve built and maintained free apps for charities and helped everything from charities supporting neurodiversity to educational start-ups trying to grow young minds. And in India, we are paying up to four-times the market rate because we want to not only reward talent, because as a business, we want to change lives for the better – be it in Gujarat or Teesside.”
As the company continues to grow, it remains focused on delivering value for clients, communities, and colleagues across the globe.

Proud to win the Teesside Best New Business heat, North East Business Awards 2025

We are thrilled to share that we won the Teesside Best New Business heat for the prestigious North East Business Awards 2025, a huge moment for our team and a brilliant reflection of the momentum we have built over the past year.
This recognition means a lot, it celebrates the hard work, grit, and belief our team brings every single day, fixing and improving complex digital platforms, supporting clients through tricky challenges, and delivering results that actually move the needle. It also speaks to our roots in Hartlepool, where we are building a company with ambition, heart, and a commitment to creating opportunities locally.
Why this win matters

It validates our approach, rethink, not rebuild, support and maintain what works, improve what does not, keep clients trading while we make the experience faster, clearer, and easier. It shows that a team from Hartlepool can compete at the highest level, growing fast while staying dependable and grounded.
The team behind it

Our people are the reason we are here, from early mornings to late fixes, everyone pulls in the same direction, delivery for clients first, no drama. Developers, designers, project managers, operations, and marketing, all working as one, learning quickly, sharing ideas, and backing each other. We could not be prouder.

More than development, our Academy and tech for good
We are not just a development company, we are building skills and changing lives through our digital Academy and our tech for good work.

• Through the Academy, we share practical skills in web, e commerce, and mobile, we mentor local talent, create industry ready pathways, and help people step into real roles, not just pass a course.

• Through our Changing Lives work, we donate time and build digital tools that make a difference, including mobile app projects for charities and community groups, we prioritise impact, accessibility, and low running costs so organisations can reach more people.

• Our mobile app donation program helps worthy causes get a head start with discovery, design, and a working MVP, we focus on outcomes, safety, and ease of use, so teams can deliver help where it is needed most.

This is where our ambition really shows, using digital technology to help as many people as we can, locally and worldwide, turning expertise into practical, positive change.

Rooted in Hartlepool, reaching further
Being part of the Hartlepool community matters to us, we support local initiatives, mentor young people, and create sustainable jobs, while delivering for clients across the UK and beyond. The pride we feel comes from seeing talented people grow here, then use those skills to build tools that help others.

Looking ahead
This is not a finish line, it is fuel, we will keep investing in our people, expanding the Academy, scaling our Changing Lives projects, and partnering with more charities to put technology in the hands of those who need it most. We want to keep showing that you can build a serious digital business right here, serve national and international clients, and still lead with purpose.

To the other nominees and winners, congratulations, the quality across Teesside and the wider North East is inspiring. To our clients, thank you for your trust, to our team, thank you for your relentless effort, to our community, thank you for the support.
Here is to more growth, more collaboration, and more reasons to be proud of the North East, and to using digital technology to help as many people as we possibly can.

Shortlisted for Best New Business and Best Digital Business at the Hartlepool Business Awards 2025

We are absolutely delighted to share that we were shortlisted for both Best New Business and Best Digital Business at the Hartlepool Business Awards 2025, a huge moment for our whole team and a real reflection of how far we have come in just 12 months.
When we launched in Hartlepool, we set out with a clear vision, to build something different. Not just another tech company, but a business that fixes what others cannot, supports local talent, and creates real impact in our community. Being recognised among so many outstanding local businesses and individuals is something we are incredibly proud of.
A year of growth, grit, and ambition
The last year has been transformational. We have expanded our team, opened new offices, and taken on complex projects for clients across the UK and overseas, all while keeping our heart firmly in Hartlepool.
Our ambition has always been big, but what makes it real is the fantastic team behind it. Every person here plays their part, developers, designers, project managers, marketers, and operations, all pulling together with one goal, to deliver exceptional results for our clients while staying true to our values of reliability, honesty, and innovation.
The pace of growth has been incredible, but it is the culture that makes us proudest. The energy, creativity, and genuine care our team puts into everything we do have helped us stand out in a competitive industry. From rescuing complex e commerce platforms to launching mobile apps that make a difference, our people bring ideas to life every single day.
Rooted in the Hartlepool community
Being part of the Hartlepool business community means a lot to us. This town is full of talent, drive, and people who care deeply about building something lasting. To be recognised locally, alongside businesses that are shaping the future of our region, is genuinely humbling.
We are not just building websites or apps, we are building careers, partnerships, and opportunities right here in Hartlepool. Supporting local initiatives, mentoring young people, and creating sustainable jobs are at the core of what we do.
Looking ahead
Being shortlisted is not just a pat on the back, it is motivation to keep pushing forward. We are more determined than ever to keep growing, to create more opportunities in the North East, and to show that you do not have to leave the region to find cutting edge digital expertise.
To all the other nominees and winners, congratulations. The energy and innovation coming out of Hartlepool and the wider North East right now are inspiring.
To our clients, thank you for trusting us. To our team, thank you for your passion and hard work. And to the community that continues to back us, this recognition is for you.
Here is to another year of growth, innovation, and flying the flag for Hartlepool.

When it rains, it pours.

Just ask Christopher Withers.

After creating the educational maths game Mi-Box Live, Christopher invested thousands into developing a new app. Unfortunately, it turned into a nightmare. The app was so poor that Apple refused to list it on the App Store.

Having poured his heart, soul, and savings, into the project, Christopher’s dream collapsed overnight.

Sadly, his story isn’t rare.

Since launching Resolve Beyond last year, we’ve helped countless businesses across the North East, and beyond, whose systems simply weren’t fit for purpose. Apps, CRMs, and e-commerce sites built with good intentions but in desperate need of care.

Like Christopher, what they didn’t need was a costly rebuild.

Yet most companies insist on starting from scratch when handed a system they didn’t create. Their logic? If we didn’t build it, we can’t fix it.

That’s where we’re different.

At Resolve Beyond, fixing the unfixable is what we do best. It’s why Christopher came to us at one of the lowest points in his business journey.

We salvaged his app, and in many ways, his peace of mind.

Because we understand that a digital system isn’t just software, it’s someone’s dream, someone’s late nights and long weekends made real. Behind every website or app is a person who’s risked everything to make an idea work.

Christopher trusted a developer who underdelivered, and the impact was huge. He admitted the failed launch pushed his mental health to “rock bottom.”

He needed help, not another rebuild, not another bill. Just someone who would truly work with him, not just for him, to deliver his vision.

So that’s exactly what we did.

The result? Mi-Box Live was given a second chance, and Christopher couldn’t believe the transformation. The app is now live, performing, and making a real impact in education.

And for anyone managing an existing platform, here are a few lessons we’ve learned along the way:

1. Updates aren’t optional, they’re your first line of defence
Updates aren’t just about new features. They patch security flaws, fix bugs, and ensure everything stays compatible. Ignore them, and you’re leaving the door open to hackers, failed payments, plugin conflicts, and downtime.
If your site or app hasn’t been updated in months, you’re living on borrowed time.

2. Backups must be automatic, off-site, and testable
No daily backups? You’re one click or cyber-attack away from losing everything.
A proper backup system should run automatically, store copies in multiple secure locations, and be tested regularly to ensure it actually works when needed.
We’ve seen too many clients come to us after ransomware attacks or accidental deletions, only to discover their backups were useless.

3. Monitor what’s happening, or you’ll only know when it breaks
Most issues don’t wave a flag. Slow pages, failed payments, broken links, they quietly drain your sales and reputation.
Without proactive monitoring of performance, uptime, and error logs, you’ll only know there’s a problem when your customers complain. And by then, the damage is already done.

4. Never test on your live site or app, ever
Making live changes is like performing heart surgery mid-marathon. Risky, chaotic, and often catastrophic.
Always use a separate development environment, a safe mirror of your platform where updates can be tested before going live. If your developer still pushes changes directly to your live site, it’s only a matter of time before something breaks.

5. Have someone responsible, not just reactive
This is the big one.
You need someone accountable for your platform, someone who checks it regularly, applies updates, spots risks early, and keeps it secure.
Without that, your app or site becomes a ticking time bomb of outdated code, vulnerabilities, and missed opportunities.
And when it all goes wrong, you’ll be left wondering who’s fixing it, and how long it’ll take.

At Resolve Beyond, we believe in rethinking, not rebuilding.
Because sometimes, the right fix can save not just your platform, but your peace of mind.

Running a business in India wasn’t exactly on my career bingo card

Yet 25 years in, here we are, just 11 months after launching The Resolved Group in Hartlepool, we’ve already expanded internationally. Our second office is in Ahmedabad, which is India’s sixth biggest city, it allows us to provide 24/7 support to our increasingly global client base.

Scaling a business is never straightforward, but operating two offices 4,500 miles apart brings unique challenges, it’s rewarding but not risk free.

A 2023 survey revealed that 70 per cent of UK SMEs abandoned plans for international expansion, often citing a lack of infrastructure or available talent. That’s why we know we’ve backed a winner by branching into India. The country is dripping with tech talent, there are five million software engineers alone, which for context, is more than the entire population of Sydney.

But talent alone isn’t enough, I’ve learned that to succeed, your culture must be mirrored throughout the business. Your workforce, whether in North East England or North West India, must share the same values and vision. That takes a lot of effort and consistent communication, along with the right leaders to drive it home.

Our team in India are not a source of “cheap labour,” we pay around three times the local average wage because we want the best talent, not the lowest cost. And we invest in their growth and wellbeing, offering flexibility and recognising achievements. When people feel valued, they buy in, and buy-in is what turns a good team into a great one.

And we know we have a great team, as they’ve been crucial in delivering fantastic results for the business both at home and abroad. Since the start of 2025, international leads are up 185 per cent, more than a third of all enquiries now come from abroad, especially the USA, Asia and the Middle East. A big driver is our unique approach. Instead of expensive rebuilds, we fix existing systems, even if we didn’t build them ourselves. That can be around 80 per cent cheaper for our clients, and if there is one thing in business that knows no borders, it’s saving money!

But none of that would be possible without the right culture, and the right people. Expanding internationally isn’t a quick fix, it takes time, energy, and a long-term mindset.

These are my top tips for growing a business abroad, get your systems straight from the start. Clear workflows, clear briefs, and one place where everything lives. Begin with a small, tight-knit team, and only scale once you know the model holds up. Culture travels (or at least, it should), set the non-negotiables like quality and deadlines but allow space for local ways of working. Trust the local leadership team to add that nuance, while making sure your core values remain consistent across the board.

Keep the communication rhythm steady, write things down, record the tricky stuff and stick to routines, stuff like daily stand-ups and regular reviews. Remember, leaders set the tone, regardless of the location. It’s about showing by example how you want things done, trust and accountability flow from the top.

And above all, look after your people! Pay properly, as you would at home, recruit for talent, rather than value. Offer flexibility and recognition, along with a chance to grow, they shouldn’t feel their location is a ceiling for their career.

Expanding abroad isn’t for everyone, but if you combine great talent with strong systems and shared values it can be a game-changer for your business.

Resolved Group, growing fast, staying grounded

The next 12 months will be the biggest leap forward in our story so far. We are projecting a 500 percent increase in turnover, driven by major client wins, new international partnerships, and a growing reputation for solving complex technical problems that other agencies can’t touch.

But growth on its own means nothing if it does not create opportunities for people, strengthen our communities, and stay true to the values that built us. This next chapter is about doing both — scaling globally while keeping our North East heart.

Building a stronger team

We are growing the team by around 20 new hires, adding strength to both leadership and delivery. That includes expanding our management team to make sure the growth is structured, not rushed, and that we keep the same quality, honesty, and reliability that clients expect.

Our Hartlepool head office is expanding too, bringing in new operations, marketing, and client support roles. The aim is to give people access to high-skilled leadership pathways that they might not normally get locally. Every promotion or new role we create here builds confidence in what the North East can deliver on a global stage.

24/7 delivery, real time support

We are finalising a full international delivery model that runs 24/7. That means expanding our presence across the Middle East and Asia, allowing us to meet global client demand in real time while still maintaining a seamless connection with our UK base.

This follow-the-sun model means there is always a team awake, accountable, and ready to act. It improves client support and gives our staff in each region ownership of their work and real career stability.

A global footprint with local roots

Our client base now spans the Middle East, the United States, Asia, and Europe. What started as a handful of rescue projects in the UK has evolved into long-term partnerships across multiple time zones.

We are proving that a company from Hartlepool can compete on a global level, delivering at scale while keeping its promises and staying personal. Every new contract abroad strengthens what we can invest back into the North East — more jobs, more training, more opportunity.

Giving back through digital

Growth has also given us the means to do more good. We are committing to provide free or heavily subsidised digital support to at least 10 charities and community organisations over the next year. These are groups that make a real difference but often lack the technical support to keep going.

Through Resolve Changing Lives, we will also deliver one fully funded app, platform, or e-commerce build per year for a not-for-profit, removing barriers for causes that need reliable tech but can’t afford it.

Building skills and creating pathways

The Resolve Academy continues to expand, and this year we are launching a structured digital skills and mentorship programme for 25 individuals. It’s about creating proper pathways into tech — not just courses, but real training that leads to paid work and long-term careers.

We are opening doors for school leavers, career changers, and people who never thought they would work in this industry. When we grow, we bring others with us.

The next chapter

This expansion isn’t just about numbers. It’s about creating something sustainable — a business that delivers world-class digital solutions, supports global clients around the clock, and still gives back to the community that gave us our start.

The growth is fast, yes. But it’s built on purpose, people, and proof.
And that’s what will carry us through the next 12 months — and far beyond.

Resolved Beyond, using tech to help kids learn, not just scroll

There is a lot of noise about screen time right now, especially with Australia moving to stop under 16s having social media accounts. The aim is simple, reduce harm, make platforms take responsibility, and give kids some breathing room online. Whatever you call it, ban or delay, the law kicks in this December and the platforms have to take reasonable steps to keep under 16s off their services, with big fines if they ignore it. YouTube was even added after pushback. The direction of travel is clear.

That is the part about what kids should not be doing. What is missing is a louder conversation about what they can do. That is where we come in.

Learning beats scrolling

Not all screen time is the same. Passive feed flicking and jump cut videos are one thing. Solving a set of maths puzzles with feedback, or working through a reading path tuned to your level, is something else entirely.

Well designed learning apps can move the needle. Trials and reviews keep showing meaningful gains in early maths and literacy when the apps are used properly, with feedback, and for short focused sessions. Some schools have seen double digit improvements in test scores, with better confidence as a bonus.

Gamification helps when it is thoughtful. Points, levels, and small rewards can lift engagement and outcomes, but design matters. The wrong mechanics backfire. The right ones support focus and steady progress.

In places where textbooks and teachers are stretched, mobile first tools close gaps. Phones are already in the home, so a light app with low data use can reach learners fast and cheaply. Build for the device, not a shrunk down desktop site, and you get better results and motivation.

Honest talk about screen time

We need a clearer split. Passive time is the risk. Active, guided learning is the opportunity. Keep sessions short. Keep goals clear. Mix screen work with real world tasks. Let kids earn their screen time by doing something that builds a skill, not just fills a minute.

Parents and schools need simple rules they can actually follow, fixed times, visible goals, and an easy way to see progress. Small wins, often, beat marathon sessions.

What we are building

At Resolved Beyond we design and ship interactive learning apps that earn their place on the home screen. Early years phonics and number sense. Primary maths and spelling. Confidence builders that adapt to the learner, give instant feedback, and keep data private.

We build for the real world, low bandwidth first, quick to load, simple to use, short sessions, clear rewards, and no dark patterns. We test with real families and teachers. We measure outcomes. We cut what does not work. We ship what does.

How we think about safety

We design for under 13s like they are our own kids. No public profiles. No open chat. No ads. Clear privacy. Age appropriate content. Easy to reset progress. Parents and carers can see what is happening without needing a manual.

If the law shifts, as it has in Australia, we are ready, accounts for adults, experiences for children, and controls that keep everyone on the right side of the rules.

The point

Screens are not going away. The choice is simple, leave kids to the feed, or give them tools that build skills and confidence. We pick the second option every time.

If you run a school, a trust, or a charity and want to pilot learning apps that put outcomes first, talk to us. If you are a parent or carer and want something better than another endless scroll, we can help.

How international growth strengthens the North East

We get asked a lot what our international growth means for the North East. The short answer is everything. Every step we take abroad feeds directly back into the region that built us.

When we started The Resolved Group, the goal was never just to grow for the sake of it. It was to build something sustainable that would create jobs, open doors, and show that a serious tech business can start in Hartlepool and compete globally without losing its heart.

 

Scaling abroad, strengthening home

 

By expanding into India, we have been able to scale our delivery without losing speed or quality. That scale gives our Hartlepool HQ more room to focus on strategy, client relationships, and the kind of complex technical projects that smaller teams simply cannot take on.

We still hit our three hour response time target, and with our India team covering the early and late shifts, we now run true 24 hour support. The result is a stronger operation at home, backed by a wider global footprint.

 

Jobs, investment, and opportunity

 

Our Hartlepool office has grown quickly, adding new roles across operations, marketing, partnerships, and support, with more hiring planned as we keep scaling. Every international contract we win helps us reinvest locally.

The overseas revenue streams mean we can fund apprenticeships, training, and long term community projects without relying on external funding. It is growth that feeds itself and benefits others.

 

The Academy effect

 

Resolve Academy is already making a difference across the North East. We are building pathways into tech for school leavers, graduates, and people from disadvantaged backgrounds who would normally be shut out of the industry.

They are learning by working on live international projects, gaining experience that puts them on par with any developer, anywhere. That exposure gives people confidence, and it builds a deeper pool of talent right here in the region.

 

Raising the region’s profile

 

Every international partnership and every global project we deliver carries the same message, this is built in Hartlepool. It raises the North East’s profile as a place for innovation, reliability, and digital excellence.

We are proving that technical skill and global ambition do not have to come from London or overseas. They can come from the North East, from people who care about their work and their community.

 

Giving back through tech for good

 

The growth abroad also powers our local impact work through Resolve Changing Lives. We build and donate free apps, websites, and e commerce platforms for charities and good causes in the region. It is our way of using international success to give something back close to home.

 

The bigger picture

 

This is what international growth should look like, global delivery with local benefit. Every new client abroad helps us hire another person here, fund another apprenticeship, or support another cause.

We are proud to be proving that you can go global and still stay local. Hartlepool gave us our start, and every milestone we hit out there helps us build something stronger right here.

Building international teams

Write down how work moves, across time zones

Request, sort, do, check, release, sign off. That is the flow. Keep it short and clear so it works the same in Hartlepool and in Ahmedabad.

Every task needs a tiny brief, who owns it, what outcome is expected, when it is due, and which time zone the deadline refers to.
If any one of those is missing, send it back.
Get confirmation, ask the person to repeat the brief so you know it landed.

Keep one tracker, same columns every time, who, what, when, timezone, status, link.
Start small, two or three people and a reviewer, get it smooth, then copy the setup to the next squad.

Use the rule, one task, one owner, one deadline, one place to look.

Fit your system to the local culture

If you try to force a UK way of working into a different culture, you will fail.
Learn the local rhythm first, how people meet, how they message, what good looks like for them.

Set your must haves, quality, security, deadlines.
Let the how flex, meeting style, comms channels, working hours.
Publish a simple ways we work, include how to raise blockers, who to call for help, a shared calendar with bank holidays and festivals in each country, and which days you will shift stand ups.

Have a trusted local lead who can translate nuance and calm the noise.

Make comms simple and steady, async by default

Do not assume people can read your mind. Write it down.
If something is fiddly, record a quick screen video with captions.

Keep a light rhythm that works across zones, daily stand up posted in chat before a set time, weekly demo with a rotating slot, monthly retro with notes sent in advance.
Finish every meeting with next steps, who, what, when, and where updates live.

Use two hour check ins only when something is burning, protect focus time so both sides of the clock can actually ship.

Handover is the heartbeat

Design your day so one team closes and the other team starts with a clean slate.
End of day handover note, what changed, what is next, what is blocked, what you want reviewed.
Keep the work small so the next person can pick it up without a call.

Instil leadership and responsibility

Make ownership visible on every task. Agree a clean path to escalate. Pair people so no one is stuck alone, ideally cross country pairs so context spreads.

Leaders go first, share context, remove blockers, set clear quality bars, give direct feedback, and own outcomes in public.
Reward the behaviour you want, tidy handovers, honest status, steady delivery, help a teammate before you log off.

Pay well, give flexibility, earn loyalty

Pay fairly and on time. Be open about rates and reviews in each country.
Offer learning time and a clear growth path with titles that map across regions.
Respect family time and faith time. Give flexibility around festivals and school events. Focus on outcomes, not clock watching. Remote days are fine when the work suits it.

Say thank you in public. Back people when life happens. Loyalty is built in quiet moments, not posters on a wall.

Security and quality, simple and non negotiable

One identity per person, managed devices where you can, least privilege access, and a clean offboarding checklist.
Definition of done on every task, code reviewed, tested, documented, link added to the tracker.
No surprises at release, use checklists, runbooks, and smoke tests.

Templates you can copy today

Task brief,
who, single owner,
what, outcome in one line,
when, date and time, include timezone,
links, design, spec, repo, ticket,
definition of done, how we will check it.

Stand up, async,
yesterday, one or two lines,
today, one or two lines,
blockers, names and help needed,
handover, what the next time zone should pick up.

Sign off,
what we tested,
what passed,
what failed,
what is left,
go, no go, owner and time.

Keep it boring, that is the point

Boring process wins. Same tracker, same fields, same reviews, same exit criteria.
When the basics are predictable across countries, the work gets less noisy and the team gets faster.

Start with one squad, nail the loop, then scale it.
That is how we build international teams that deliver without losing the plot.