1994
IT Systems Manager UK
I started my career on the client side, as IT Technician and progressed to IT Systems Manager at Wiremold Limited from 1994 to 2002.
I was responsible for technology across 10 sites and around 200 users, with IT budgets and projects of up to £1 million. In that time I led more than 10 ERP and CRM implementations, managed a team of up to 10 people, and was the IT lead on more than 10 business acquisitions. Each one meant assessing a new company’s systems and bringing them safely into the group.
That role taught me what businesses actually need from their systems: reliability, accurate information, and technology that fits how people work rather than the other way round.
Heavily involved in all IT aspects of a running a business with a turnover around 200 million pounds turnover
2002
Independent IT & Business Systems Consultant
After eight years leading IT for a multi-site manufacturer, I went independent to work directly with business owners and their teams.
Over nine years I became a trusted, hands-on partner to a wide range of organisations, from small, owner-run firms to a global electrical group.
For some clients I was the entire IT department, maintaining their networks, email, servers and business systems year after year. For others I came in for a specific project, often working inside their own IT teams.
Every engagement started the same way: sitting down with the people who use the systems, understanding how the business really works, and turning that into practical technology that saves time, removes errors and gives people information they can trust.
2011
Technical Director
For 15 years I was Technical Director of Axisware Ltd, leading the technical direction of the business while sharing the day-to-day responsibilities of running it. I worked directly with customers at every stage, from the first conversation through to long-term support. That meant understanding what they really needed, proving the approach, building and delivering the solution, and keeping it running reliably for years afterwards.
As part of a small team of IT professionals, my role was naturally broad. On any given day I might be designing a database, writing software, planning an implementation, or helping a customer solve a problem in their live systems. Working this way meant I understood every part of a project end to end, from the data underneath to the screens people use every day, and could make sure it all fitted together.
Our customers came from a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, print, finance, health and safety, and e-commerce. Each brought its own systems, processes and challenges, which gave me a broad base of experience that few specialists get. The work included:
Database design and optimisation: building fast, reliable databases that businesses could depend on.
E-commerce integration: connecting online stores to back-office platforms through APIs, so orders, products, stock and customers flowed automatically without re-keying.
Power BI and business intelligence: reporting that gave customers real operational and commercial insight into their businesses.
Bespoke software and proof of concept: testing new approaches before committing to full development.
Alongside the technical leadership, I carried the wider responsibilities of a business owner: planning, commercial decisions, supplier relationships and customer management. That combination gave me a practical, commercial view of technology. A good solution isn’t only technically sound; it has to deliver real value, be easy to support, and make sense for the business paying for it.
What that experience means for you
Having been the in-house IT manager, the independent consultant and the supplier, I understand every side of a systems project: what the business needs, what the technology can do, and what the supplier is really promising. That makes me a practical, honest partner, whether you need a second opinion or someone to deliver the work.
I can help with:
- ERP, and CRM: Implementation, optimisation and ongoing support of your core business systems.
- Systems integration: connecting your website, ERP, CRM and other platforms so data flows automatically, without re-keying.
- SQL and data management: database design, optimisation, data cleansing and data warehousing.
- Reporting and Power BI: dashboards and reports that turn your data into clear, trusted information.
- Migrations and acquisitions: moving systems, servers, email and data safely onto new platforms, including integrating acquired businesses.
- Bespoke software: custom applications where off-the-shelf systems don’t fit.
Data you can trust
Joined-up systems are only half the story. The other half is confidence in the numbers. When your systems share one consistent, accurate source of data, the arguments about whose spreadsheet is right stop, reports produce themselves, and decisions are based on facts. Getting the data right comes first in every project I take on.
Flexible, on your terms
I now work through my consultancy, Visualised IT Services Ltd, and can fit around what your business needs:
A single project: an implementation, migration, integration or set of reports, delivered from start to finish.
Extra capacity: support for your existing IT team during a busy period or a major change.
Ongoing support: a trusted, experienced pair of hands on call, without the cost of a permanent hire.
I can work on-site or remotely, on a day-rate or fixed-price basis, and you’ll always deal with me directly.
Let’s talk
If your systems aren’t working together, or you’re not sure you can trust the numbers they produce, I’d be happy to talk it through. Book a free, no-obligation call and we’ll work out what would make the biggest difference to your business.