Philip O'Rourke Email & Phone Number

United Kingdom

At Optimal 365, I excel in fully leveraging Microsoft 365 for our clients, ensuring technology is utilised both efficiently and effectively in their business operations. My expertise centres on developing tailored solutions in key areas such as security, information governance, and productivity enhancement through process automation. I am particularly adept in employing Microsoft PowerApps for both no-code and low-code rapid application development, meeting our clients’ varied needs and technical environments.My role involves a deep commitment to understanding each client’s specific requirements, which allows me to manage and optimise their Microsoft 365 environment for maximum effectiveness and value. With a client-centric approach, I focus on customising their Microsoft 365 setup to enhance both security and productivity, whilst also supporting the strategic delivery of IT services crucial for business advancement.As a leader, I oversee a team and coordinate with various suppliers, maintaining best practices in all operational aspects. This includes a strong focus on comprehensive cybersecurity and rigorous risk management. My management is vital in offering clear, targeted solutions in data management and regulatory compliance, especially in the complex area of information governance.A significant aspect of my role is my work with Microsoft PowerApps, which is instrumental in enabling businesses to transform their processes, thereby fostering innovation and efficiency. This work is key to helping our clients tap into the full potential of their Microsoft 365 investments, embodying our company’s ethos: ‘Microsoft 365 Unleashed.’At Optimal 365, my role extends beyond that of a consultant. I am a strategic partner, guiding our clients in maximising the capabilities of Microsoft 365, ensuring its comprehensive and effective utilisation.

Leeds, England, United Kingdom

At C-Capture, we prioritise the security and quality of the IT services we provide to our employees. We have adopted a hybrid working model emphasising agility and seamless connectivity in our employees' work experience.To achieve maximum protection, innovative business processes, and empower our workforce with flexible digital workplaces, increased agility, and more robust information protection that addresses current business needs and evolving challenges, we have implemented Microsoft 365's infrastructure-as-a-service strategy. By leveraging various Microsoft 365 tools such as Teams, Azure AD, Purview, MDM/MEM, and the Power Platform, we have developed tailor-made applications that streamline our processes and provide valuable business insights.Our success is due to the technology-enabled collaboration of our various departments, including OT data analytics, safety, quality, HR, finance, governance, compliance, and risk management. This collaboration ensures that our company stays up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, and our management team receive expert guidance to make informed and impactful IT decisions that drive our company's growth and success.As a company expanding in the climate science and engineering sector, we are optimistic about the future and the possibilities that Microsoft 365's infrastructure-as-a-service strategy offers. Our dedication to cybersecurity and innovative IT service approach instilsl. stakeholder confidence that we will continue to thrive and make significant gains toward the net-zero challenge.

Strategic Consultancy for Business Systems Optimisation and Management, Catalysing Accelerated Growth in Startups and SMEsAt Gisbourne & Co., we adopt a proactive and constructive approach in guiding startups and SMEs towards exponential growth. Our deep-rooted expertise in technology-driven strategies empowers us to conduct thorough assessments of your organisational capabilities, technological assets, and operational processes. This comprehensive analysis is pivotal in devising bespoke solutions that align with your commercial goals, unlocking your business’s innate potential for accelerated growth.A standout offering at our firm is ‘CIO-as-a-Service’ (CaaS). This innovative service ensures strategic continuity in the design and execution of technology frameworks, meticulously aligned with your business objectives. Our team of seasoned Chief Information Officers (CIOs) brings expertise in navigating the intricacies of modern governance, cloud computing, technology standards, cybersecurity, talent acquisition, and strategic operational planning. Whether your need is for interim CIO support, leadership mentoring for your in-house tech team, or ongoing strategic consultancy, our aim is to steer your business towards achieving its objectives.Our approach is dynamic and agile, centred on continuous improvement. This strategy enables your business not just to adapt, but to flourish in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. At Gisbourne & Co., we are committed to transforming challenges into opportunities, propelling your business forward on the path of innovation and sustained growth.

Deeside

In 2018, I was seconded from Gisbourne Consultants to work with ADCBio, a VC-backed CDMO experiencing rapid growth. At the time, they had a small team of bio-chemists operating out of a technology incubator at Glyndwr University. During my 18-month tenure, I helped develop and implement a comprehensive technology-enabled business management strategy. I was also responsible for managing the installation of the IT infrastructure, including networks, LIMS, telephony, facility monitoring, security and access, at a new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility that was regulated by the MHRA. Additionally, I authored all IT SOPs and governance documents for the Quality Management System and various regulatory bodies. Thanks to our efforts, the headcount at ADCBio grew fivefold before being merged into an international Pharma group. » Minimised operational costs by consolidating disparate IT Systems to an Office 365 centric solution.» Developed MHRA, data-integrity compliant, lab information systems, and SOPs.» Reduced Capex by realigning outsourced operations and technology procurement.

Lancashire, England, United Kingdom

I was seconded by Gisbourne Consultants, where I was initially tasked with reviving a stalled ERP project. I was later retained to review and update the company's technology infrastructure and MSP contracts. My key responsibilities included:- Maintaining responsibility for the technology infrastructure and business continuity, ensuring 100% uptime, complete data backup and recovery, and system redundancy.- Assessing the IT infrastructure to ensure optimal IT productivity and performance.- Ensuring the security of the company's network infrastructure and system architecture through the implementation of security policies and perimeter hardware configuration.- ICT procedures, IT security, and disaster recovery plans to ensure minimal downtime.- Preparing detailed reports on IT-driven KPIs to present to the Board of Directors.

Newcastle Under Lyme

Designed, developed, and implemented cloud SaaS solutions, including a proprietary CRM platform, integrating open source and proprietary code. Architected a ‘jumpstart’ program to ensure a seamless transition of SMEs to the Inner-circles cloud solution within five days. Devised effective business plans (including the merger with the IT Partnership) and technology roadmaps to achieve strategic business objectives. Directed all technical aspects, including utilising an agile approach to delivering continuous improvement in product development. » Lead the design and development of a proprietary SaaS CRM platform.» Managed and supported an international, multi-disciplinary support & development team.» Ensures delivery of a high-quality service within SLAs and budget while delivering an exemplary experience for users» Supported technical sales team to double turnover post-acquisition with the IT Partnership.

London, United Kingdom

Entrusted by senior management to develop multiparty litigation management solutions with ‘know your client' automation in compliance with the emerging Jackson civil litigation reforms and costs management (budget) requirements. Delivered exceptional support for corporate e-discovery and litigation, involving ESI volumes of 500K+. » Completed the design, development and support of a proprietary, budget and litigation management solution by switching the development platform as well as the developer to accelerate time to market at a reduced cost.» Increased business turnover through active participation in all pre-sales meetings, both to demonstrate the product as well as exploit opportunities for product customisation and development.» Provided analytical support which contributed to a substantial reduction in a multi-million Pound costs award.

Keele University

Systatic was a full-service technology provider, principally to the Financial Services Sector. Our portfolio of "Software as a Service" solutions included email hosting, website design & hosting, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Customer Due Diligence systems, Business Intelligence software, Groupware (workflow, document management, collaboration and communication), security, business continuity and regulatory compliance.

Here I developed a number of innovative technical responses to complex and challenging issues in the delivery of an NHS-wide reporting system which measured organisational compliance against the Department of Health's Controls Assurance Standards. As part of the Controls Assurance programme I managed the development & deployment of a web-based National Corporate Risk register for the NHS; this involved overseeing the annual returns process, collecting, collating and analysing detailed electronic submissions from 700+ primary and secondary care organisations.In 2001, I produced the first of many webcasts for HCSU and pioneered the use of web-based conferencing and e-learning technologies for organisational training and development within the NHS. I was also instrumental in the development and facilitation of a number of "virtualised" communities of practice, mixing traditional methods with emerging web technologies, to support collaborative networks for the development and sharing of new ideas and strategies in health care delivery.

Tunbridge Wells

Initially seconded from Stena Line to oversee a major capital project on two new ship builds. At WWG I created, developed or managed the installation of interactive concepts and capital projects for the leisure, cruise ship and live touring industries; including the Dundee Science Centre, U2 PopMart tour, Pink Floyd Division BellYour, Walsall Museum & Art Gallery, the SoukShark mall in Kuwait City and for the Our Dynamic Earth visitor centre in Edinburgh.

United Kingdom

Responsible for the onboard entertainment and information systems across the Stena HSS vessels and Commissioning Editor for StenaVision, the onboard video programme. I liaised with 50 global partners and vendors to deliver innovative and diverse content with a combination of analogue and digital systems; using emerging (mid-nineties) technologies in compression, encoding and satellite distribution to ensure that the output was delivered to the right vessel at the right time.

Moscow, Russian Federation

Responsible for IT, communication and gaming floor technologies across multiple sites in post-Soviet Russia (Moscow) and Ukraine (Odesa & Kyiv).