With extensive experience in building robust, internet-connected services, I co-founded a UK startup to develop advertising-backed websites. As an early advocate of open-source tech in enterprise, I became known for creating reliable platforms, enabling me to lead our business through the early transformation of cloud services.Recognising the potential of cloud infrastructure, I adopted Amazon Web Services (AWS) at a time when cloud computing was still emerging. This choice gave us scalable, enterprise-level resources affordably. My background with on-premises IT also helped me judge when cloud solutions would be most cost-effective, allowing us to launch a high-availability stack essential for company growth.• Co-founder and Director: I led the startup from concept to full operations, setting both strategic and technical direction to ensure a confident start.• Web Development Leadership: I directed the design and development of ad-supported websites, aligning with business goals and focusing on scalability, performance, and security.• Cloud early adoption: Leveraging AWS services such as EC2 and S3, I designed scalable, high-availability architectures, and reduced overhead through automation.• Operational Security and Reliability: I managed all aspects of security, from firewalls to encryption, ensuring data protection and consistent service availability.• Decade of Operational Oversight: For over 10 years, I managed online operations, maintaining reliability through system monitoring and troubleshooting.• Open-Source Integration: I integrated open-source tools into our pipeline, lowering costs and enhancing flexibility with Linux, PostgreSQL, and automation tools.n summary, my experience as a UK startup co-founder and early AWS adopter combines strategic leadership with technical expertise, enabling me to build scalable, internet platforms that drive growth and innovation through a blend of open-source and cloud technologies.

Given full responsibility for the IT department following a major corporate restructure.• Specified and lead the IT team working on a internet and intranet refresh project during a major company rebranding.• Upgraded SMTP servers to Postfix on Debian.• Performed a mid-life storage upgrade to meet increased capacity demands.• Reduced colocation power usage by fifteen percent ahead of an ISP contract review.• Achived a ten percent discount during contract renegotiation with our ISP for colocation services and WAN links.

During 2007 Killby & Gayford were acquired by Close Brothers Growth Capital during a second management buyout. I was appointed as the senior technical lead of a significantly larger team as the company turnover increased from £69 million in 2007 to £90 million in 2011.• Installed and configured new IBM file and print servers & disk arrays running Debian for each site.• Replaced 6 PSTN switches and 250 handsets for Asterisk based VOIP servers and Polycom handsets.• Managed the Installation of a new server room and office structured cabling during a warehouse move.• Rolled out a new Windows Vista and Office 2007 desktop standard build for cloning with Ghost.• Upgraded Cyrus IMAP and Sendmail SMTP servers to handle increased volumes of end users & client email.• Installed & managed all hardware in a colocation PoP.

Killby & Gayford was a main construction contractor specialising in high end refurbishment projects, Shortly after 3i bought the company as part of a management buyout I was recruited as part of the new executive team. Reporting to the main board of directors I was solely responsible for modernising and expanding the IT environment as the company grew from an annual turnover of £37 million in 1998 to £69 million in 2007.• Identified existing issues causing downtime for users. Completed SRE project.• Updated core network with HP ProCurve switches and Cisco 2500 routers.• Installed servers for Sendmail, Cyrus IMAP, and Bind 9 on Debian GNU/Linux.• Increased file server capacity using Debian GNU/Linux, Samba and CUPS for file servers.• Wrote a detailed installation guide for Windows NT4 with a strong emphasis on desktop reliability.• Produced a master Windows desktop image to be cloned with Ghost disk imaging.• Used Squid proxy servers to manage bandwidth for desktop internet access to all users.• Introduced an updated standard desktop PC build for Windows XP and Office 2003.• Specified a Samba upgrade on Sun Solaris following a large increase in user demand.• Expanded backup capacity using Amanda backup software on Sun hardware.• Connected major construction sites to WAN network with ISDN2e dial on demand routing.

IIR training was part of the Institute for International Research Group providing IT certification courses, management training as well as bespoke training. Operating from Central London offices the company ran courses from their own training suite, at clients premises as well as venues around London.• Responsible for setting up equipment for technical courses from A+ certifications to advanced Cisco courses.

• Supported 1500 desktop users.• Provided support during conversion from Windows 95 and NetWare 4.11 to Windows NT4.• Supported users during move to Office 97 from Lotus SmartSuite.• Basic troubleshooting for Microsoft Windows, Lotus SmartSuite, Apple Macintosh.• Resolved basic issues with IPX/SPX and TCP/IP on a Token Ring network.• Ran DLT tape backups of 30 HP-UX and NetWare servers.

Having a strong knowledge of DIY store layouts following several years working for Homebase stores as a student I was employed as a store planner at their head office. Fully responisble for designing the layout of both new and refurbished premises using AutoCAD R13. The job involved strong negotiating skills as frquent liasing with merchandisers, equipment suppliers, management, and marketing departments was required.• Developed strong AutoCAD skills.• Presented monthly progress updates up to a C suite audience.• Developed strong negotiation skills.