ClearCourse, a provider of industry-specific software and embedded payment solutions for SMEs and targeted enterprises, today announces the appointment of Simon Black, current Non-Executive Director, as Chair of the Board. 

Simon will support the management team in leading ClearCourse’s next phase of growth, building on the company’s proven vertical software expertise and strength in integrating payment solutions for SMEs. With a clear mission to help small UK businesses grow and compete with enterprise-level technology, Simon brings deep understanding of the software and payments landscape.

Christina Hamilton, CEO of ClearCourse, said: “It is fantastic that Simon has stepped into the role of Chair of the ClearCourse board at such an exciting time in our journey. His experience in supporting founders through business transitions will be invaluable in supporting ClearCourse’s ambitious plans for growth.We look forward to working more closely with him to continue delivering value for all stakeholders.”  

Before joining ClearCourse, Simon was the CEO of PPRO which, under his leadership, became a global leader in alternative payments via international expansion and multiple successful funding rounds. Prior to that, Simon was CEO of SagePay, where he led the business to 10x revenue growth.

The appointment comes at an important phase as the firm builds momentum, having made three strategic acquisitions of growing businesses so far in 2025: Computers for Flooring, AvonData (Rezcontrol), and Davidson Richards. This supports ClearCourse’s mission to establish a leading presence in key vertical markets and power SME growth with innovative, industry-specific software and payment solutions that puts big tech in the hands of small businesses.

Simon Black, incoming Chair of the Board, added: “I am delighted to become the Chair of the Board of ClearCourse, supporting the team to deliver on the mission to help small and mid-size UK businesses to grow – an incredibly tangible and motivating goal, and one that I greatly relate to. SMEs are the backbone of our economy, and in these challenging trading times, technology can be the difference between surviving and thriving. I look forward to supporting ClearCourse’s management team in unlocking opportunity for their customers to scale and prosper, by adopting ClearCourse’s mission-critical sector specific software and embedded payment products.”