Based on my experience with IT in SMBs, I was invited to support my wife's family's business in Mexico in the first year of operations of a new multi-million dollar avocado processing plant to produce guacamole for international export. The first stage was to understand the IT requirements for a food processing business; their specific processes, industry regulations on data management, and department specific needs. I then worked closely with the Managing Director and the Investors to understand planned growth and budgets for the first years of operation. I also reviewed the suppliers available in Mexico, focussing especially on their service levels for a remote, rural, location.I developed an IT strategy, making sure the IT systems supported the strict compliance for food industries, would be easily expandible as operations ramped up and would be delivered within budget. This was presented to, and approved by, the Managing Director and Investors.I implemented the strategy, ensuring everything was in place to succesfully support the company's application for their critical first Food Quality Certification process, allowing them to export.I completed documentation and put processes in place to allow local suppliers to provide ongoing support. The second year aim was to implement a basic ERP system. I liased with the ERP consultants during the first year to make sure the infrastructure was in place to support their platform and this work.This project covered connectivity, desktops, Windows Server, VOIP telephony, Office 365, structured cabling, managed Wi-Fi, backups, printing and web for a SMB environment with strict policies on data management.I supported the sales team, who had English as a second language, when dealing with English-speaking clients in sales meetings, international industry expos and via phone and email.As an added bonus, I did get to provide an international opinion on the guacamole being produced. Tasty!

project five are an outsourced IT support company mainly supporting businesses in Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and London.I joined as a Business Development Assistant and was promoted to an Account Manager. I quoted for, and managed, project work for my clients and was also involved in the on-boarding of new clients.Typical projects were email migrations, PC & server installations or upgrades and office moves, focussing on clear communication with clients to smoothly manage the process and avoid unnecessary interruptions to their businesses.I gained lots of practical experience with Office 365, Windows environments, Microsoft Licensing, SMB networking and Wi-Fi.