After leaving BT as a sales engineer I became one of the first Cisco Certified Systems Instructors (CCSI) in the early 1990s before setting up my own training company (MTS) with Tony Thomson which was sold in 2000.My new company (NTS) now concentrates on providing high-end, often bespoke, technical and technology integration training to Service Providers and Large Enterprises within the VoIP, Cable, WAN and UC&C spaces

A premier Cisco Systems Training Partner based in the UK that undertook a wide range of Sales and Technical training across the world. The business was acquired for a multi-million sum in 2000.

My CCSI number was 92018 which means I was one of the first, which is pleasing. By definition, therefore, I am now old and my head is full of redundant information.

Specialist in Data Communications and Local Area Networks

Covered a range of responsibilities and technologies including analogue TXS, electronic TXE, and crossbar TXK (Clerk of Works responsible for the replacement Ealing 567 Exchange) Long Distance Analogue (FDM) and Digital Transmission (Clerk of Works responsible for replacement and new FDM & Digital Repeater Stations, Private Circuits provision and Data Comms maintenance and provision. Man Management in this period: 110 staff with ten direct reports

After the most fantastic apprenticeship and interim period as a techncian grade I was promoted to a hands-on roaming Technical Officer for Telex, FDM and Data-comms. After a period working at the Brand new Post Office Tower in the basement and on the 12th floor I was also employed in West London on combined Maintenance and Clerk of Works duties for FDM installations. I was also on the emergency call-out team which was often challenging and interesting........ Whilst retaining responsibility for the FDM construction team in West London I was also Clerk of Works for the 'West Sector Switching Unit' (WSSC) major trunk switching unit using GEC TXK switches and at the same time to the 10,000 line Ericsson TXK 567 Exchange Unit through to its changeover / opening. This episode introduced me to sleeping tablets.....