Hoptroff provides a cloud-based software solution for time synchronisation that is simple and easy to deploy. Our product, known as TTaaS® (Traceable Time as a Service), provides a cost-effective global network service to traceably synchronise time across cloud devices down to microsecond level of accuracy.Working with Hoptroff to develop the Media application of the product as the most reliable method of generating PTP.

A major project involving presale commercial due diligence of a major European broadcaster, through commercial and operational separation from the parent company and upgrade of a number of internal and external technology solutions and business systems.

Cayenne Media is an extension of my former consulting vehicle, Keith Nicholas Associates, which I founded in 2007. Through Cayenne Media, I and a number of associates create solutions to the many issues currently faced by Broadcasters, Content Owners, Service Providers, Manufacturers and Integrators in today’s competitive and sometimes confusing market.We have a strong consulting track record, , including: • Acting as Lead Technology Consultant on the Abu Dhabi Media Zone project, responsible for placing a $40m contract for System Integration, technology specification, workflow and ensuring that the chosen vendors built a leading edge facility on time and in budget• Consulting with a number of broadcast clients on requirements specifications, RFPs and tender response scoring and awarding, as part of overall Procurement Strategy consultancy. • Work with a number of major manufacturers on long term Product and Business Development.• Project Management for a major UK based Systems Integrator.

Project Tardis, an ambitious programme to relocate and refresh the technology of Sky News, focussing on enhancing OTT and "Digital" delivery of Sky News to the consumer.I ran the Broadcast Technology Design Team through the process of gathering requirements from Sky News, high level and low level design of Production Control Rooms, Sound Control Rooms, Studios, MCR, Post Production, Graphics, Radio, Comms and Network Design. I also oversaw the first stages of implementation including the Wiring Team and Project Engineers.

The Digital Media Services division of BBC Studios and Post Production was a commercial facility offering Digitising, Telecine, Restoration, Archiving, QC, DPP and VTR servicing repair to both the BBC and external clients.

I was originally hired by SBS as Director of Technology and Operations. But after only a matter of months, I was promoted to the post of CEO/Managing Director, a role which included responsibility for Tech and Ops. My responsibilities and achievements over three years in post as CEO and board member included: • Overall responsibility for a headcount of 86 servicing 12 channels with sub-feeds totalling 37 delivery streams across Scandinavia, Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria.• Budgeting and managing annual combined Capex and Opex in excess of £10m• Managing all financial sign-off below Board level limits (£500k) and implementing procurement policy.• Maintainance of OFCOM licencing requirements• Migration of all service and maintenance contracts from German to UK suppliers.• Implementation of a comprehensive new HR framework including new contracts for all staff, HR policies, staff handbook, bonus scheme, IT policy, and all hiring and firing.• Generating a new technology roadmap and implementing a 5 year technology plan which also fed into the overall SBS financial strategy.Ultimately SBS was acquired by Discovery, and after a handover period I returned to my consulting business.

• Responsible for management of MTV International’s origination facility at Hawley Crescent, playing out 42 broadcast channels across Europe• Management of 105 permanent and freelance staff through 4 Director level direct reports covering Operations, Engineering, Systems Integration, Maintenance, Distribution and Affiliates, Building Services• Managing Project Genesis, which evaluated the current and future requirements of MTV Technology, and recommended a future strategy for the group. The meant managing an RFP for outsourcing of play-out services while assessing the feasibility of several alternatives: rebuilding the facility at Camden; moving to a green field site; and regionalisation, considering for each the Operational expense, Capital expense, 5-year cost of ownership, HR and all business transformation issues. The final report and recommendations took in all of Viacom’s lines of business including Nickelodeon and Paramount Comedy Channel• Managing an annual Operational budget in excess of £25m• Leading participant in MTV’s Media and Asset Management project to deliver, multi-purpose and re-purpose content for internal and external clients including delivery to mobile and handheld devices

Responsibilities and achievements: • Member of Disney’s Media Technology Board, and of Advisory Boards for Media and Asset Management, Digital Production, Digital Rights Management and High Definition Television. • • • Chairing of Global Post Production User Group and leader of group responsible for MAM internationalisation• Key role in the deployment of HFTV throughout Europe. • Lead role in defining internal standards for HD acquisition and mastering • Managed the implementation of state of the art solutions in London, Paris and Tokyo covering production, acquisition, post-production, MAM and automated play-out• Led Investigation into new methods of delivering hi-res media and assessing their suitability for review, broadcast and business continuity purposes • Negotiated and secured high value service and equipment contracts with Technicolor, Thomson, GV, Omnibus, Ascent Media and other key external suppliers. Actively involved in the renegotiation of service provision contracts for Germany and Spain. • Active role in creation of lower cost solutions to enable penetration into smaller and lower revenue markets. Advised on growth and impact of new markets such as handheld and mobile devices• Responsible for the testing and appraisal of fixed bit-rate MPEG encoding techniques and the subsequent adoption of Statistical Multiplexing• Achieved recognition as an expert in the resolution of technical and quality control issues in Disney products on behalf of both internal and external clients

I originally joined TVI as a shift supervisor in the VT Operations and Transmission areas. After a time I was promoted to Operations Manager, with responsibility for a wide range of day-to-day activities and for the staff which carried them out.

Joining the BBC at the lowest level, I worked on a variety of programming from Live Sport through Drama, Comedy, and Current Affairs. I gained experience in all aspects of Production, Post Production, and Telecine. I also worked in a technical role at Ealing Film Studios and as a lecturer at BBC Engineering Training Department at Wood Norton.I participated in Live Aid, and took special advantage of the BBC's comprehensive Engineering and Operational training plan.