Benjamin Rowe Email and Phone Number

Strategic Solutions, SimplifiedTransforming IT into a Competitive AdvantageIndependent IT Consultant (CTO/CIO/IT Director) offering Fractional, Day-Rate, and Fixed-Term Contract options.I specialise in delivering expert IT consultancy to businesses of all sizes—from ambitious startups to established enterprises—helping them navigate complex challenges and unlock their full potential.With a focus on strategic alignment and measurable outcomes, I craft and execute IT strategies that optimise infrastructure, bolster cybersecurity, and drive operational excellence. My approach combines deep expertise with practical insights to deliver tailored solutions that align with your business goals.Whether you're seeking to evaluate your IT systems, enhance efficiency, or future-proof your organisation, I bring hands-on experience and actionable guidance to empower success. Let's bridge the gap between technology and business strategy to achieve impactful results.

Co-opted Community Governor for New Mill Infant and Junior School.

EPUKI was established in 2015 as the strategic platform for expanding the EPH group into the UK energy market. Since launching, EPUKI has made several acquisitions and now owns multiple renewable and flexible power generating assets in the UK and Ireland.As Interim Head of IT at EPUK Investments, I spearheaded operations during the absence of the incumbent, entrusted with the pivotal responsibilities of gathering requirements and devising a comprehensive 5-year strategic and tactical delivery plan. I subsequently assumed leadership of the GB and Ireland operations, orchestrating the transformation of a service desk team into a highly respected and effective unit.Key Achievements:• Gathering, scoping, developing and submitting a 5-year strategic plan with tactical improvements• Streamlined support practice and challenged to lead a team through a transformation program.• Identify and deliver on key hardware, where technical debt had built up.• Leader of end user service desk & remote support contract with project management• key member of the multi-site, multi budget process.

Sosandar is the brainchild of former Look magazine editor Ali Hall and former Look and InStyle publishing director Julie Lavington. The award-winning duo have created a new online womenswear destination that fuses a fashion-forward clothing line with style inspiration, news and advice. My role as Head of IT was to take ownership of all areas of the digital platform, infrastructure, support and associated services combined with strategic planning and third-party contracts. Leading the tender process for a new ERP solution, I managed the hiring and supervision of a business analyst, defining and gathering requirements. I expanded the team, established a new office, implemented video conferencing, and standardized hardware while coordinating external teams for enhancements.Key Achievements:• Project management of company wide ERP requirements gathering and scoping• Implemented Cyber Security settings inline with Microsoft recommended best practice• Completed Website Load testing to confirm when infrastructure upgrade is required• Completed internal infrastructure and customer facing website penetration testing• Implemented website performance monitoring, Negotiated new contract for Infrastructure upgrade• Leader of end user service desk & remote support contract with project management• Engaged DPO to bring company policies and processes inline with GDRP requirements

In 2001, ghd revolutionised the way women styled their hair with the launch of its first styler – a professional tool designed for salon use that could also be easily used at home. ghd has continued to be a leader and innovator in hair styling with its range of professional brushes, ghd Style styling products and the launch of its first hairdryer, ghd air™.The role of Global Technical Services Manager is to understanding the needs and challenges of all teams and provide solutions for the short and long term strategy, by leading a group of engineers that support the core infrastructure that services all of ghd's offices globally.Key Achievements:• Principle strategist for scoping, planning and implementing “cloud first” methodology• Initiative-taking Leadership of a UK team with dotted line management for global team.• Responsible for 9 global offices infrastructure, network, servers, storage and WAN• Leader of end user service desk team & management• Project management and Implementation of full data centre replacement.• Project management and implementation for Wifi replacement, Core Network services (Servers/Switches/Firewalls) at global sites.• Key responsibility in Web platform upgrade and replacement of infrastructure with digital team• Key business leader in the integration of parent company SAP ERP system• Implemented “Stabilise, Upgrade, Advance” tiered methodology for infrastructure services.

Unique Digital is Europe’s leading provider of software and network solutions dedicated to distributing, managing and supporting film and advertising content and systems for the cinema exhibition industry.With offices in Dublin, London, Manchester and Singapore; Unique Digital provides industry leading software products designed to maximise the commercial and operational benefits of a fully digital cinema network.My position as network rollout manager is to oversee the design, planning, deployment and sign-off of a complex infrastructure of hardware, software and network services in the UK, with additional territories to be completed worldwide.Key Achievements:• Management for delivery of 3 simultaneous multi million pound projects• Managing a team at the UK head office for Unique Digital Software Limited• Responsibility for the installation of over 500 internet lines in to 400+ cinemas• Responsible for the follow up installation of equipment to over 400 cinemas by field engineers• Management oversight of deployment of 250 hard drives p/w to deliver content to cinemas.• Main point of contact for IT & Network Operations Staff based in Norway

Docman is the leading supplier of electronic document management, transfer and collaboration solutions for Primary, Secondary and Social healthcare organisations.My role as Technical Services Manager is twofold. Responsible for management of all internal infrastructure and communications for the business and leading on all operational technical support issues relating to the delivery of the Company’s products, solutions and services.Key Achievements:• Main technical point of liaison between customer, development and support teams with regular meetings with high level board members of blue chip customers to review projects.• Project Managed full tender process for unified communications (Internet, Mobile & Landlines)• Project managed an Implementation of virtualised systems with cloud backup• Project managed and Implemented a call centre telephony system for the service desk• Creation and oversight of implementation of the companies’ first IT budget.• Creation and line management of new Infrastructure team with SLA driven support desk servicing 100 staff internally and externally.• Line management of 4 Technical Consultants responsible for product support and installation.• Creation of Infrastructure Strategy including business continuity and disaster recovery• Review of company security policy with a view of implementing ISO27001

Bedfords Transport is a specialist in logistics management with an outstanding track record for accuracy and reliability. The progressive nature of the company along with its commercial outlook is key to achieving its ambition of being the best logistics management company in the UK.As Information Systems Manager I am solely responsible for the IT Strategy, Infrastructure, Communications, Projects and IT Staff within the business. Reporting to the MD, I have direct input to the companies’ strategy and regularly report direct to the board of directors.Key Achievements:• Implemented virtualised systems, network security, network & bandwidth monitoring and remote connectivity, enabling the business to increase its turnover in 5 years from 10m to 25m • Joint implementation of SonicWall UTM device with vendor• Joint implementation of Mitel IP Telecoms system including SIP & VOIP with vendor• Responsible for full 24/7-365 IS Infrastructure• Proactive manager of team of 5; IS helpdesk, development, & business analyst. All 3rd party suppliers and associates, including budgeting, contract negotiation & purchasing.• Management of all technical project work, Infrastructure Hardware, Software and external development teams.• Business & systems analysis of procedures and financial reporting.• 5 year term as Chairman of European Product Advisory committee for specialist logistics software, Chairing & representing at industry events in Europe and USA.

Support contract to city council. Covering permanent staff whilst away on sick leave and training courses. Infrastructure support – Routers, Hubs Switches, Internet, Server, Hardware, Firewall and Cable modem support to 6500 users.

Contract role upgrading, installing and supporting computers in schools. Leeds council outsourcing contract to Enterprise to look after primary and secondary schools computer requirements.

Contract Network support. Covering all aspects of SYPTE network whilst permanent staff away on training courses. Role involved travelling to satellite sites engaged in all aspects of network, admin and end user issues.

Technical Project Manager | Fortis insurance groupFortis is an international financial services provider with two core competences - banking and insurance.As a technical project manager I completed a 7 week consultancy implementing a fax server solution whilst also performing a network maintenance role when requested.Key Achievements:• Reconfirm all requirements and proceed with sourcing and recommending a solution.• Implement required solution, offering training to current staff and users, writing all training manuals and implementing without any issues.

Network Manager / Project ManagerBalfour Beatty is a world-class infrastructure services business operating across the infrastructure lifecycle, with leading positions in major markets.As network manager and Project manager I reported directly to the Chief Information Officer. I was responsible for a team of support engineers with my main role of supporting a fully routed WAN environment with 4 large sites throughout the UK.Key Achievements:• Network infrastructure management aiding the business to go fully routed.• Implement multiple projects at various sites through the UK.• Rebuild company web access and mail servers.• 3 month testing on Windows 2000• Strategic review and proposal to replace all servers with a 24/7 fail safe implementation for business critical applications.

Senior Field Systems EngineerElcom Technical Services provides IT infrastructure, project management, service desk services and staff to a wide variety of blue chip companies through the UK.Key Achievements:• Multiple projects to various customers.• On site 3 month support at large corporate bank in centre of London• 9 months Team leader of 10 engineers on a site supporting 2000+ users (pharmaceutical)• Installation and support to major UK and overseas prestige car retail outlets• On site, 3 month role out installing and maintaining networks for major brand hotel chain.

Senior support analyst (promoted)UCB Home Loans (formerly Group) is a specialist mortgage company wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Building SocietyKey Achievements:• Promoted to senior support analyst in first year.• Provided 2nd line Desktop support to a user base of 600 at head office and 10 sites.• Evaluation of Windows NT 3.51, implementation and company wide roll out.