David Blake Email & Phone Number

Basingstoke, Gb

Basingstoke, England, United Kingdom

Winchester

I was the Senior Database Developer at CREALOGIX Group (UK), a leading digital wealth management solutions provider in the Fintech industry.I collaborated with C# developers in an Agile development team and I created, optimised, and maintained MS SQL database objects. I was known for my proactive approach to projects. I enjoyed mentoring colleagues in SQL-related tasks to ensure they adhered to standards. I am proud to have been the Technical Lead for the final 10 months of a client project, successfully seeing it through to going live. A key aspect of this was assisting the project manager in technical discussions with the customer.After moving from TFS to Azure DevOps, I enjoyed learning new skills with Yaml to achieve a solid database build and release pipeline. I undertook a set of Liquibase University qualifications to enhance my knowledge of CI/CD.I enjoy challenging myself and have developed PowerShell processes. Before a company restructure, I undertook the temporary role of Line Manager, which included conducting appraisals.

Bracknell

I was approached and invited to join the company’s ICT development team. I was solely responsible for maintaining and developing multiple corporate databases for both internal and external business systems. I worked alongside C# developers, and my database standards directly influenced the C# development standards. I have successfully developed, migrated and merged numerous MS SQL database versions spanning SQL2000 to SQL2012 clustered server. All database administration, including security and the creation of SSRS and SSIS solutions was also a part of my remit.Being the subject matter expert for the corporate call management system (HEAT Classic by HEAT Software, formerly FrontRange), I was heavily involved in its administration and development. Over the years, I independently completed all upgrades. Through liaising with HEAT Software and beta testing several releases, I am proud that 20% of released items were based on my requests and findings. I successfully implemented a heavily customised EMEA HEAT Self-Service system for over 5,000 employees and launched the new HEAT Management Monitor dashboard. I used Crystal Reports XI to develop and maintain a large suite of reports.I often took the lead in directing development, over and above my role of DBA, undertaking tasks expected of design and project management. I enjoyed assisting team members in their understanding by providing flow diagrams to aid development and testing. I also presented on webinars to international colleagues. I completed foundation-level ISTQB Software Tester and APMG Agile Project Management certifications.

Awe, Aldermaston

I was successful in developing and supporting the call management system and asset database, HEAT. HEAT was central to the contract with AWE and used by nearly 200 employees. Important to my role was the development of the MS SQL2000 database server. This included backup, disaster recovery planning, installations and creation of MS SQL scripts in stored procedures, triggers and DTS packages. With new releases of HEAT, I continued developing, rationalising and improving the system further. I used Crystal Reports 9 to write and maintain a full suite of reports and assisted the client with their Business Objects reporting. I later became involved with other external sites in consultative capacities, which led to extra business.

Awe, Aldermaston

I developed and administered the new Remedy call management system for which I received a recognition award. I independently completed other technical projects, introducing a call-logging portal and an automated satisfaction survey. The challenge with these projects was to draw on current knowledge and seek new skills where needed to facilitate suitable solutions. I deputised for the Oracle 8i DBA and developed the Business Objects reporting system.Additionally, I was pleased to cover for another contract at the Cabinet Office for several months.

Awe, Aldermaston

After transferring from DERA to AWE, my duties were to respond to calls logged, diagnose and fix faults within agreed SLA targets, and keep customers and the call-logging system updated. Working within a large team, I was soon given the opportunity to tackle 3rd line technical escalations.

Dera, Boscombe Down

Within a team of three, I provided software support for around 2000 PC users spread across four MOD sites. The computers initially ran DOS/WFW3.11 and MS Office 4.3, until NT4 and Office 97 were rolled out in 1998. My main tasks were to respond to calls logged within agreed SLA targets, to diagnose and fix faults, and to keep customers and the call system updated. During this post, I enjoyed building up positive relationships with customers. While studying for my NT4 Server exam, I had the opportunity of setting up a departmental NT Resource Server.

Basingstoke

This position, within the logistics department, was an ongoing contract to test and process faulty hardware.

This position, within an ISO accredited service centre, was a six–month contract to log and manage calls for a number of merchant banks involved in the stock market. In most cases a field engineer had to be on site within a few hours so prompt efficient action was necessary. I was also solely responsible for dealing with users of BT's Kilostream Network Management system, Genetic. During my contract, I wrote the First Line Support guide for this system.

Basingstoke & Hampshire Area

Going back to my trade roots, I undertook contract catering all over the Basingstoke area. Being a relief chef involved being able to go into any unfamiliar establishment at short notice to prepare food for the workforce; often exceeding over 100 employees. I worked hard at maintaining continual placements week after week. I enjoyed two extended placements; one at the Barclays Mercantile in Basingstoke and another at the Police Staff College at Bramshill, Hook before deciding to seek a position that would take me back into IT.

Godalming

Working in product development, I was involved in writing Business System Design documents. I wrote the test cases and tested new software releases before writing the product hand–over documents. I also tested third party interface software and EPOS terminals for compatibility. Initially I supported the client's operational needs; installing stock control systems, conducting training and providing both on–site and remote support to unit managers and head office administrators.

Credit Suisse First Boston - Canery Warf

Credit Suisse First Boston was a new contract for ARA Catering and my role was to set up and maintain a cashless EPOS system, Giro–vend, and to assist the Kitchen Manager in setting up a computerised stock control system.

London, United Kingdom

This was my second industrial placement as part of my HND. A number of students rotated around various places either shadowing managers or looking after smaller units. Occasionally we all came together for larger events. A few memorable locations/events were Epsom Derby Day, two weeks tennis at Wimbledon and working nights at the Notting Hill Carnival. I also covered for the Catering Manager for a few weeks at Notting Hill Police Station while she was off sick...