Leading the Digital Consulting division of Votiva, I am developing a new product to help our clients on their Digital Transformation journey. Marketed as Connect365, my new product integrates all the best of the Office 365 applications into a single ‘modern workspace’, delivered within a bespoke icon driven platform. Using centralised data in the cloud environment and integrating this with Microsoft’s O365 applications and power platform I have created a specialized icon driven interface which provides a fully modern workspace for a modern business.

Reporting directly to the CFO and the Group Executive, I joined the company to spearhead their Digital Transformation journey. Focusing on their inter-office communication procedures and collaboration software, I reviewed and enhanced their Microsoft’s Office 365 suite of products in parallel to the development and consolidation of their existing SharePoint platforms. My main focus was on the following key tasks –Combining the companies multiple departmental SharePoint sites into a planned, organised and structured cloud platform.Creation of a single point of entry which linked 15+ departmental sites and extra information sites together, improving the users efficiency for cross site navigation, together with a new in-site ‘App’ driven navigation to enhance the users overall experience and usability of the SharePoint platform.Developed a Document Management System for the company that reflected the business operating model and business workflows within the SharePoint environment.Created in-house training material for upskilling staff in the use of communications & collaboration software such as SharePoint as well as other Office 365 products such as Teams, Planner, OneNote, including how the products integrate together to drive efficiency across the business.Advised on the use of ‘Best Practice’ with regard to communication and collaboration within the Microsoft 365 suite of products.

As Atlas’ Digital Development Manager I am responsible for consolidating the Company's data by implementing cloud technology to enable our in house and remote teams to work seamlessly wherever they are in the World. Utilising the power of the cloud environment we are continuing to develop the use of integrating applications to increase the efficiency of our staff and reduce the ever growing email avalanche though the use of forward thinking applications and methodologies.

I head up the Atlas Systems Development Group and am responsible for implementing & maintaining successful client collaboration systems across multiple international platforms. I liaise directly with Atlas clients, ensuring coordination and collaboration between our respective IT teams to ensure server integration globally across UK, Asia and Australia. I also manage and review test scenarios with key clients on new and upcoming collaboration technologies such as Talon, Panzura and cloud platforms such as Autodesk A360 and Office 365. On a more local level, I am currently consolidating the Company's data by implementing cloud technology to enable our teams to work seamlessly wherever they are in the World, integrating IT, connectivity and Data Management into the Company's global operations. The update of our systems is part of Atlas' 3 year strategy: Rethinking, Planning and Researching new ways to improve our delivery and our communications to allow us to grow.

Strategic consulting on future cloud based collaborative working models

Ventures In Art was formed by Simon Richards in 2011 and is an internet based art gallery that specialises in selling affordable original artwork. We invite you to follow our social media pages on Facebook, Twitter & Google+ where we present new work in progress and new artists before they appear on the web site.Exhibitions and Art Fairs 2014Apr: Reading Contemporary Art Fair as Ventures In ArtMar: SJC's Encounter In Art Club presents An Evening with David K GoodwinJan: SJC's Encounter In Art Club showcases fine artist Steve Rostron2013Dec: Latin Dance Collection as Ventures In ArtSep: Art in the Gardens Sheffield as Ventures In ArtJuly: Great Sheffield Art Show as Ventures In ArtJuly: Showcasing Artists from the Manchester Craft & Design Centre curated by Ventures In ArtJune: The Turn is Tending featuring Steve Rostron curated by Ventures In ArtApril: Spring In The Air featuring Susan Aggarwal curated by Ventures In ArtApril: Showcasing Members of the Peak District Artisans curated by Ventures In ArtApril: An Eclectic Mix Exhibition curated by Ventures In ArtMar: Showcasing Steve Rostron curated by Ventures In ArtMar: Showcasing Members of New Longton Artist curated by Ventures In ArtMar: Architectural Manchester featuring Steven Percival & Phil Simpson curated by Ventures In ArtFeb: North’Scapes Exhibition featuring David Goodwin curated by Ventures In Art2012SAA Artist of the Year – 12 Commendations as Simon RichardsDec: The Lost Art 2 Exhibition as Simon RichardsNov: The Great Liverpool Art Fair as Ventures In ArtNov: A Beautiful Nature (Solo Exhibition for Susan Aggarwal) curated by Ventures In ArtNov: Central Lancashire Fine Art Fair as Simon RichardsSep: Manchester In Art curated by Ventures In ArtSep: Tango’s Restaurant curated by Ventures In ArtJuly: Milnthorpe Art Exhibition as Simon RichardsJuly: Great Sheffield Art Show as Ventures In ArtMay: The Lost Art Exhibition as Simon Richards

Responsible for the introduction and the migration from a multi-domain to a single domain across 5 sites throughout the UK. Upgrading the practice domain controllers to Server 2003 Active Directory and therefore ultimately responsible for all the administration that incorporates staff accounts, security groups and profiles.The introduction of the Wide Area File Servers, including the installation of all the hardware within all offices.Responsible for the introduction and the migration to MS Exchange 2007, incorporating staff emails, global distribution groups, resource & public calendaring, which also includes the introduction of Windows Mobile smart phones and staff mobile working.Responsible for testing all new core software and upgrades, testing new operating systems.Responsible for creating the practice Project Folder Structure and CAD Level Structure.Responsible for the IT Business Plan and Program and working closely with the Administration, Marketing and Finance groups within the practice.Responsible for putting together an IT 5 year plan which includes the rationalisation of all project and non-project data across all offices throughout the UK. Centralising common practice data for fast and efficient access.Responsible for researching and the specifying all practice servers, workstations, laptops, render engines.

Major contributor to a range of Museum based projects from inception through to design stages.

Managerial experience gained through liaising with clients, statutory authorities, in-house and external consultants. Leading teams of CAD & Architectural Technicians on a number of varied architectural based, multi disciplinary projects. Learned the importance of team working and the value of leadership.