Data is key!Director of IT services for Bee Industrious, the leading research and insights specialists.Delivering data seamlessly from survey platforms to real-time dynamic market intelligence.

CAA/PFCO Certified Drone Pilot.Drone Services - Filming and Photography. Surveys and Inspections.Fully Insured Expert Pilot.Richard@dragonflyphotography.co.uk

After relocating from London to Devon, I set up as an independent IT consultant. Projects have included giving small local businesses a web presence by designing and implementing websites utilising HTML, CSS, Photoshop and associated Google web tools to promote the websites. As well as this, I provide PC support for individuals, including break fix and upgrades. I have also taken regular time out to volunteer with a local charity.

Managed the global DBA team for Bluecrest Capital management, an asset management business. The team of 5 DBAs provided global support for the full lifecycle of their trading and market analysis systems. Technology was primarily MSSQL based platforms, but included their major Oracle based trading platform. Challenges included keeping the DBA support function scalable in a very fast growing business.Key projects included : - SQL Server tuning : Extensive programme of analysis of multiple MSSQL applications looking for poorly performing systems and tuning SQL code and database design. Key challenges included working with developers to identify the code within the application and working on solutions together with tight resource constraints.- DBA Monitoring : Implemented standard monitoring and statistics gathering scripts across MSSQL and Oracle environments and centralising key performance data in a single database for reporting purposes. This progressed the support function from reactive to proactive.- Calypso Database : Bluecrest’s Oracle based trading and portfolio management platform required significant work to improve end user performance and stability. Work included upgrading the 1Tb database to the latest version of Oracle 10g and proactive patching. Tuning of their overnight batch from 8 hours to 4 hours by tuning reports and data transfer mechanisms to their MSSQL Trade Services platform.

Senior MSSQL and Oracle DBA for JP Morgan Cazenove, a leading investment management business. The 5 strong DBA team provided full lifecycle support for multiple MSSQL, Oracle and Sybase systems. The role included extensive work upgrading and tuning their Oracle Simcorp application, an investment management system and implementing standard monitoring and statistic gathering scripts and front end for all database platforms.

Managed the European DBA team for Marsh. Marsh (a subsidiary of the MMC group) is a leading risk and insurance services firm. The team of 7 DBAs provided full lifecycle DBA support for 400 instances of MSSQL, Oracle and IMS across Europe. The role involved strengthening the DBA function at Marsh by improving service levels to customers through solid DBA strategies, whilst maintaining a hands on technical approach to high profile applications. Key projects included implementation of database standards, management of all database aspects of a complete datacentre move and a restructuring of the team to incorporate an outsourcing model for regular DBA tasks to a third party based in India.

Originally starting as a graduate in the DBA team and through the placement, progressing to managing a global team of 9 Oracle DBAs providing full production and development DBA support for a fast moving Oracle environment of over 250 instances ranging from small administrative databases up to complex OLTP trading systems and terabyte data warehouses, all using a wide variety of technologies. The team provided cover for all aspects of a database lifecycle from initial infrastructure design and specifications, development builds, productionisation, performance and capacity planning, backup strategies and upgrades.