A little backgound information
It's a story... but one well worth reading!
I have been working in the IT field since 1989. I started as a programmer and then moved onto fixing computers. Having self funded a 7 week full time course on computer repairs, data recovery, data storage and networking, I moved to London to begin a career in IT.
Starting at the very beginning, I was soon supporting people as well as simply fixing computers, this led to full time supporting of systems on busy financial trading floors - where the name of the game was always "get the thing working, quickly and properly!" In the financial marketplace, IT is a vital, business critical service. Small delays can lead to many £1000's in lost revenue.
After years of working for leading institutions in London, I moved up the corporate ladder via means of promotions and being head hunted.
One particular company, a start up financial stock lending company, had an idea to make a traditionally slow system of telephone based trading into a web based, instant trading platform that could be used anywhere in the world - instantly. They contacted me, via a headhunter, I was then managing a team of just 5 people supporting over 600 foreign exchange traders on one very busy trading floor for UBS Warburg - a top tier bank. The question that was asked was "can you design and implement an IT and telephony system for 25 staff in just 6 weeks, and by the way we don't yet have an office or a budget!"
No problem, I said. After negotiating my contractual obligations I left UBS Warburg just2 days later. But not before ensuring my departure was fully covered, I have very high principles!
With an office to find, a very tight budget to manage, suppliers and services to source, no credit rating at all and an average lead time of 40 working days (8 weeks) just to have communications lines installed, I successfully designed and implemented the entire infrastructure, single handed. I finished at 4am on the morning of business start-up!
The next company was much more of a challenge. Again, a startup company which initially required 3 offices in London, all to be linked together via communications and telephony systems and all to have separate Internet access. Initially to host 40 staff across the 3 locations, but also would more than likely expand. All to be done in 7 weeks!
No problem! I set straight to work with budgets, systems, design and implementation. Using project management skills gained from previous years this one would be very tough indeed. I succeeded. 90% single handed, only employing help in the last week before operations had to begin (this was a government contract, there could be no exceptions with regards to starting dates) At the bottom of this page is a reference and testament from my manager, The UK Chief Executive Officer and European Chief Operations Officer.
As I hope you will have read, I am extremely dedicated to providing an excellent level of service, at ALL times. You are my client, you pay me, why would I want to give poor service? I believe you are only as good as your previous job. If you are unsatisfied, tell me, I will put it right. If your are satisfied, tell others, I will help them also.
I had no real intention of returning to IT work, once relocated in the Langkloof with my wife and daughter. However, it saddens me to hear of all the issues that happen in the area with regards to service levels, and that people don't have real access to someone who really knows what they are doing and has the experience.
I thank you for reading this. Give me a call, what do you have to loose??
Reference
His role was Head of IT&T and he ended up managing a team of 5 other IT people. During the set up and growth of the company the availability of the IT system infrastructure was absolutely critical and
William Smith
Chief Executive Officer, Ingeus UK Ltd.
Chief Operating Officer, Ingeus Europe.