Nicki Smith

Mandy Goddard – IBMi (AS400/iSeries) Support & Developer

Starting Out…

My ambition was to be a Police Officer and having successfully applied at 17 years of age for the Police Force, they advised me to get some life experience and apply again in a few years.

I was determined to get these skills and find a job that would provide me with this.

Not having a clue what I wanted to do… I just knew I did NOT want to work in an office sitting at a desk all day looking at a computer screen…

…and so here I find myself 35 years later, sitting at a desk, looking at a computer screen, the idea of joining the Police Force a distant memory.

Office Work!

In 1987, I joined the Cooperative Society as an Office Junior, where I was inquisitive about the locked, noisy room at the end of the Office.

The Data Processing Suite was used for running applications on System 36 – a large system, running backups, printing stock reports and updating stock levels.

I became a Data Operator and was known for my incessant questions about how and why the systems worked. 

A year later I found myself at a local firm called Sweetheart International as a Computer Operator and then become proficient at CL Programming, I decided to move into programming using RPG. This role, in a small company, meant I could still run applications, loading software and looking after hardware.

Sadly after 31 years, they made me redundant and I thought my time working with the AS400 (IBM i) was over until… 

Starting at KFA Connect

In June 2019 KFA Connect came into my life, based in Ringwood – about 45 miles from my home, a place we only visited during the summer holidays.

How did I feel about commuting? 

The driving to and from work before going home to the manic mayhem of family life was great and OMG! They even let you take dogs to work.

My interview was a blur – my black trousers were covered in dog hairs from a lovely dog called Jazz who came and sat in on the interview – personally, I think she helped me get the job but she never let me forget it – hounding me daily for treats on her arrival to work. We all work remotely now since Covid – and I do miss the office, well the dogs anyway!  

Every day is literally a school day, learning how processes work in other companies and then resolving their issues is both satisfying and rewarding.

I am lucky enough to work on new innovations, recently working with other team members to set up a Customer with IBMi in the Cloud backing up to our server with minimal effort.

Work-Life Balance

Travelling, reading and shopping are three things I like to do.    

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

How Can You Achieve More From Your Integration Projects?

Undertaking a new integration project to streamline business processes can be a daunting task for some businesses.

Development timeframes can eat into everyday activities and on occasion, projects can be outsourced to ease the workload.

Unfortunately, as the project grows, modifications often require the same software development team to make the necessary changes making the process time-consuming and costly.

From this, and other hidden factors such as delays, or compromises and automated data queries caused by ‘fault lines’ between integrated systems how can businesses looking to become more efficient improve IT performance in a timely and cost-effective manner?

Luckily, SAP Business One has been designed to provide a flexible and easy-to-use framework with clear functionality for integration with third-party software.

This flexible framework enables SAP Certified integration solutions such as BPA Platform from Codeless Platforms to remove the need for complex coding by providing a selection of tools that enables anyone with a basic understanding of their database structures to build integrations and practically any number of automated business processes between SAP Business One and other business systems, applications and web services no matter how complex the requirements.

Highlights of BPA Platform include:

• SAP Certified integration solution
• Data integration and synchronisation
• Workflow
• Report and document automation
• Notifications and alerts (including External notifications)

Primarily, SMEs are looking for business software and integration tools to be easy to install and simple to use – but they also want to see working examples of how other organisations in their industry have maximised business software and applications to their advantage. They know it can help them they just want to see how.

Integration projects no longer need to be complex, time-consuming and costly – BPA Platform has over 6,000 customers globally utilising its integration and automation tools to significantly reduce operational costs and improve business performance.

If you would like to discuss how you can automate your business processes to help your business achieve more, please contact us to arrange a demonstration.

KFA Connect are Codeless Platforms Partners – authorised to sell BPA Platform with in-depth knowledge of developing integration and Process automation using the solution.

As we celebrate Earth Day 2023 tomorrow (22nd April) it’s important to reflect on the progress we’ve made in protecting our planet and to consider what we still need to do to ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a significant shift in public attitudes towards environmental issues.

More and more people are recognising the urgency of the climate crisis and are taking action to reduce their carbon footprint. Governments around the world are also starting to take action, implementing policies to reduce emissions and transition to a more sustainable economy.

However, there is still much work to be done.

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, with more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and the loss of biodiversity. We need to accelerate our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift towards renewable energy sources.

One of the most effective things we can do to reduce our carbon footprint is to reduce our consumption of meat and dairy products. The livestock industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing our meat consumption can have a significant impact on our carbon footprint.

Another important step is to reduce our use of single-use plastics. Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering our oceans each year. By reducing our use of single-use plastics and recycling more, we can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans.

We also need to transition to a more sustainable economy, one that prioritises renewable energy, green infrastructure, and sustainable transportation. This will require significant investments in new technologies and infrastructure, but the long-term benefits will be worth the effort.

Being an Eco Warrior doesn’t have to be super time-consuming and difficult, here is a list of a few things you can do to play your part in saving our planet:

1. Use reusable shopping bags instead of single-use plastic bags when shopping.
2. Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
3. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
4. Use public transportation, carpool, or bike/walk instead of driving alone.
5. Take shorter showers and turn off the water when brushing your teeth.
6. Reduce paper waste by using digital copies of documents and emails.
7. Buy products made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo or recycled plastic.
8. Recycle and compost as much as possible.
9. Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
10. Choose to buy second-hand or repurpose items instead of always buying new things.
11. Plant trees and support reforestation efforts.
12. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products.
13. Avoid using pesticides and chemicals in your garden.

By making small changes in our daily lives, we can all make a difference in protecting the environment and promoting a more sustainable future.

Check out Earth Day’s Action Toolkit to get involved:

Here at KFA, we try to be as environmentally friendly as possible, some of these ways include; operating a paperless office, recycling and donating equipment & furniture, continuing to work from home to reduce emissions from travelling to/from the office, relocating servers rooms to use the data-centre’s air-conditioning 24/7, instead of our own. We also have put measures in place using Alexa to “power up and “power down” the office every day.

We admit that some of these changes that help the environment have happened organically as we reacted to Covid-19 measures over the last three years. However, some of the changes that either make us more efficient or enhance our team’s work-life balance have become more permanent.

Read other KFA Connect blogs relating to this topic here:

On this Earth Day 2023, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and recommit ourselves to protecting our planet.

By taking action individually and as one massive team, we can build a more sustainable and resilient world for ourselves and future generations.

Nicki Smith

Sales & Marketing Manager – KFA CONNECT

Stress Awareness Month – April 2023 

April marks the start of National Stress Awareness Month in the UK, and it’s an important time to focus on the impact of stress on our daily lives.

The past few years have been particularly challenging, and it’s essential to raise awareness of the importance of managing stress and prioritising mental health.

Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic. It is the time when we have an opportunity for an open conversation on the impact of stress. Dedicated time to removing the guilt, shame, and stigma around mental health. To talk about stress, and its effects and open up about our mental and emotional state with friends, families, colleagues, and professionals.

‘Fight or Flight?’

Under stress, our body thinks it is under attack and switches to ‘fight or flight’ mode, which releases hormones, such as adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol to prepare the body for physical action.

This can have a reaction on your muscles and bodily functions, such as digestion.

The fight or flight mode is helpful to manage dangerous situations but can also affect our brain function because when blood is only flowing to important muscles needed to react to the situation, the brain function is minimised.

The ‘Fight’ mode is triggered by our survival instinct – to warn off predators but can also negatively affect relationships and ruin reputations if used in unnecessary situations.

‘Flight’, by contrast, is also a survival instinct – removing yourself from the situation or away from the person causing the stress. This can save your life but can also leave you not actually facing an ongoing issue that causes the stress that isn’t going away.  

Some, when stressed, will lock the energy into the nervous system and simply “freeze”. This is often highlighted by holding your breath or by shallow breathing.

Whatever your reaction, stress can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health, affecting everything from our immune system to our relationships with others. It’s something that everyone experiences at one point or another, but it’s essential to understand the different types of stress and how to manage them effectively.

Acute & Chronic Stress

Acute Stress

One type of stress is acute stress, which is short-term and can be caused by specific events or situations. This could include a work deadline, an important exam, or a family emergency. Acute stress is a natural response to a challenging situation, and in some cases, it can even be beneficial, helping us to stay focused and motivated.

Chronic Stress

Chronic Stress is a more prolonged and ongoing type of stress that can be caused by factors such as financial worries, a demanding job, or relationship issues. Chronic stress can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health, contributing to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure.

What Can I do To Prevent or Ease Stress?

During National Stress Awareness Month, you could try focusing on effective stress management techniques.

This might include practising mindfulness and meditation, engaging in regular exercise, and taking time for hobbies and relaxation.

Simple changes such as eating for well-being, not being a slave to Tech, learning to say No, practising deep breathing and staying hydrated can also be really effective.

Prioritising good sleep habits can make a difference, as poor sleep can significantly impact our stress levels.

What Employers Can Do

Employers have a crucial role to play in stress management, and workplaces should prioritise creating a positive and supportive environment for their employees.

This could include offering mental health resources and support, providing opportunities for regular breaks and flexible working arrangements, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

By prioritising our mental health and taking proactive steps to manage stress, we can improve our overall well-being and lead happier and healthier lives.

Nicki Smith

KFA Connect – Sales & Marketing Manager

5th April 2023

Useful Links

The Stress Management Society have a useful ‘Stress Quiz’ on their website for individuals which, following a series of questions offers a score and personalised report with recommendations.

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

So, What is IBM i Consultancy?

IBM i Consultancy refers to consulting services that help organisations optimise and leverage their IBM i (formerly known as AS/400 or iSeries) systems.

IBM i is a mid-range computer platform that runs applications for any size of business and provides a stable, reliable, and secure operating system.

An IBM i consultant is an expert in the IBM i platform who provides expert advice and guidance to organisations on how to get the most out of their IBM i systems. They have often spent many years working on the IBM i predecessor systems which laid the grounding for the system as it is today.

IBM i consultants can help with a variety of tasks, including system analysis, architecture design, software development, system implementation, optimisation, security, project management, and troubleshooting.

IBM i consultants will have extensive experience in the IBM i platform and related technologies and can help organisations develop customised solutions that meet their unique business requirements.

They can also help organisations with system upgrades, data migration, and integration with other systems including eCommerce platforms.

In this article, we will explore the role of IBM i Consultancy, the benefits it offers to businesses, and the skills required to be a successful consultant.

Role of an IBM i Consultant

The role of an IBM i consultant is to help businesses make informed decisions about IBM i application development, system administration, and management. A consultant will work closely with clients to understand their business objectives, challenges, and requirements. They then provide expert advice and guidance on application design, development methodologies, architecture, development, project management, and deployment strategies.

AS part of the role, consultants can help clients identify areas where improvements can be made to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and drive growth. They also advise clients on how to select the right technologies, tools, and platforms to meet their specific needs.

Benefits of an IBM i Consultant

IBM i consultancy offers several benefits to businesses, including:

Expertise: IBM i software consultants bring in-depth knowledge and experience in software development, architecture, and project management. They will have worked on numerous projects across various industries, and they understand the best practices for delivering high-quality IBM i solutions.

Cost Savings: IBM i consultancy can help businesses reduce costs by optimising development processes, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and avoiding costly mistakes. By understanding your current estate and the associated costs a good consultant will be able to offer potential ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency on both the hardware management and your applications.

Scalability: IBM i consultancy helps businesses to scale their software systems to meet the changing needs of their customers and markets. They can advise on the best technologies, tools, and platforms to support growth and expansion.

Competitive Advantage: consultancy can help businesses gain a competitive advantage by developing and enhancing systems that are more efficient, innovative, and customer-centric.

Skills Required for IBM i Consultancy

To be a successful IBM i consultant, several skills are required, including:

Technical Expertise

IBM i consultants must have a deep understanding of software development methodologies, architecture, design, and project management. They must be familiar with various programming languages, tools, and platforms. They must have a good understanding of the IBM i operating system and hardware and it’s capabilities to deliver robust leading-edge business solutions.

Communication Skills

IBM i consultants must have excellent communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to clients and stakeholders. They must also be able to listen carefully to client’s needs and requirements.

Analytical Skills

IBM i consultants must have strong analytical skills to evaluate business requirements, identify technical challenges, and develop solutions that meet clients’ needs.

Project Management Skills

IBM i consultants must have project management skills to manage development projects, set project timelines, and ensure that projects are completed and delivered on time and within budget.

Conclusion

IBM i consultancy can help organisations ensure that their IBM i systems are running efficiently, securely, and optimised to meet their business goals and objectives.

IBM i consultancy is a critical service that helps businesses make informed decisions about software development and how best to manage new and existing solutions. It offers multiple benefits, including expertise, cost savings, scalability, and competitive advantage.

You can be confident that as an “IBM” Registered Business Partner, the KFA Connect team also has the skills to develop, test, and support your IBM i applications in addition to the skills to help you with your daily management of the IBM platform and operating system.

Special Offer

Take advantage of KFA Connect’s Special Offer of 2 FREE 90-Minute Consulting Sessions!

We are giving your business access to our team of experts who will be able to assist you with new ideas for your IBM i application, migration from the IBM i, IBM i integration, or improvements to the day-to-day operational running of your system.

Nicki Smith

KFA Connect – Sales & Marketing Manager

31st March 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

So What is Mental Health?

Mental health is our state of mind, our emotional and psychological well-being. It determines how we cope with day-to-day issues.

Mental Health is complex and changeable, it needs to be acknowledged and looked after.

Why is it so important?

Our mental health is as important as our physical health. An individual with good mental health will be a good employee, husband/wife, mother/father, colleague, and friend.

So, What is ‘Mental Ill Health’?

Mental ill health by its very definition is when we are mentally unwell, we can feel unable to cope with stress and anxiety which can lead to depression and addictive behaviour. Mental ill health can lead to a feeling you cannot see a way forward.

In contrast, people with good mental health are capable of setting goals and being able to achieve them.

The Mental Health Continuum

This is a scale used to attempt to determine the state of an individual’s mental health.

The scale is divided into 5 levels as follows:

In Crisis

• Very anxious
• Absenteeism
• Weight loss
• Exhausted

Struggling

• Anxious
• Depressed
• Poor performance
• Tired

Surviving

• Worried
• Sad
• Distracted
• Withdrawn

Thriving

• Positive
• Calm
• Performing well
• Normal social activity

Excelling

• Happy
• Energetic
• Performing above par
• Reaching full potential

Some Examples of Mental Ill Health

Suicidal

Where someone feels they can no longer carry on with life. Where they can see no hope for the future.

Depression

A feeling of being very low for a sustained period of time. Depression can make people insular and want to isolate themselves from others.

Worried

When you feel anxiety in your everyday life, but you are able to cope with it in isolation. Anxiety shows through physical symptoms and may result in panic attacks.

Eating Disorders

An obsessive behaviour that may be triggered by PTSD, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Examples of eating disorders can include Anorexia and Bulimia.

Self-Harming

Where an individual can inflict physical pain upon themselves. Another example of self-harm is when an individual puts themselves at unnecessary risk such as starting fights.

Mental Ill Health Factors

Mental ill Health can be influenced by factors in an individual’s personal, educational, and work lives.

In a work environment, the following can all lead to stress, anxiety, and feeling vulnerable:

• Being overworked
• Lack of training and therefore not being qualified to perform a role
• Return from sickness
• Lack of objectiveness

Outside of work pressures can also lead to mental ill health:

• Relationship breakdowns
• Grief
• Financial worries
• Poor physical health

What can we do to improve our Mental Health as Individuals?

Get Outside

Being outdoors is great for our mental well-being. Spending time in nature lifts our spirits and helps with coping strategies.

Physical Activity

Physical activity, be that walking or sport releases endorphins that make us feel good. Physical tiredness can also help us to sleep better.

Nutrition

Eating well has many physical and mental benefits. A balanced healthy diet leads to feeling more energetic which in turn makes us feel more capable of physical activity. A healthy diet also reduces mood swings.

Sleep

Adequate rest and sleep are essential to good mental health, a lack of sleep leads to tiredness that leads to wanting energy which leads to a poor diet.        

As Employers What Can We Do to Support Our Employee’s Mental Well-being?

It is important to notice the signs of mental ill health, is someone quieter than normal, more withdrawn, missing social events, looking tired all the time for no apparent reason, have they recently suffered a loss, had a relationship breakdown etc.

If you do see a change in an individual’s behaviour or your team report to you that they have seen a change in a colleague, then you need to take some steps to help:

• Talk to the person or offer for them to talk to someone else if they do not feel comfortable talking to you.
• Listen intently, don’t judge, show empathy, give reassurance, give the person time, offer resources, and don’t offer solutions.

Resources for supporting individuals can include a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA), NHS England, Public Health England, and Charities.

Mental Health Awareness at KFA Connect

At KFA Connect we take our employee’s mental well-being very seriously.

Senior Management attends regular training on how best to support our employees and are always looking for new ways to support our hardworking team.

One of these ways includes our Employee Benefits program, Perkbox which offers curated ‘Wellness’ content for mental health and well-being as well as giving monthly points to every employee which can be used for a ‘perk’ of their choice. There are meditation sessions, Yoga & Pilates, sleep stories, workouts, music, and webinars as well as talking therapy and hypnotherapy on offer. It is also a way for peer-to-peer recognition to be shared within the team – especially important since we have adopted a hybrid approach to working, post-covid.

We believe that it’s the little things that make a difference, like giving our team Amazon vouchers on Employee Recognition Day in March and holding social events throughout the year to make sure we all spend time together as a team are all really important.

Richard Austin

KFA Connect – Director

29th March 2023

Get in touch with our team today.

Software companies have a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainable practices.

As the world continues to become more aware of the impact of human activities on the environment, there is an increasing demand for companies to adopt more sustainable practices.

Software companies are no exception and have a significant impact on the environment, both through their operations and the products they create. In fact, as digital technologies become more pervasive in our daily lives, software companies have a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainable practices.

Here Are Some Ways Software Companies Can Be More Sustainable:

Use Renewable Energy Sources

One of the most significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions is the energy used to power data centres and servers. By switching to renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, software companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. For example, Microsoft has committed to being carbon negative by 2030 and has already made significant investments in renewable energy.

Companies can also use energy-efficient hardware and employ power management techniques to reduce their energy consumption.

Optimise Software Design & Create Sustainable Software Solutions

Software companies can also reduce their carbon footprint by optimizing their software design. This includes designing software that uses fewer resources such as memory, storage, and processing power. This not only makes the software more efficient but also reduces the energy needed to power data centres.

Software companies can create sustainable software products by developing energy-efficient algorithms and features that reduce the energy consumption of devices. Companies can also design products that encourage users to reduce their energy consumption, like smart thermostats and lighting systems.

Turn off systems that are not needed 24/7

It is very easy to ‘run up’ a server to install some software and see how it works for you but remember to switch it off when you have finished. Applications are often used for a piece of development and are not needed again for a period of time.

Whilst these systems are running they are using power so be sure to regularly check which systems you are using and how often and turn them off when not in use.

Embrace Remote Work

Remote work can significantly reduce a company’s carbon footprint by reducing the need for commuting thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and office space.

By embracing remote work, software companies can reduce their energy consumption, save on office expenses, and attract talented employees from around the world.

Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating this trend. In addition, remote work can also improve work-life balance and increase employee satisfaction.

Practice Sustainable Product Development

Sustainable product development involves considering the entire product lifecycle, from design to disposal. This includes using environmentally friendly materials, designing products that can be easily disassembled and recycled, and minimising the amount of packaging used.

By adopting sustainable product development practices, software companies can reduce their impact on the environment.

Use Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a more sustainable option than traditional data centres because it allows multiple users to share the same resources. This reduces the need for individual companies to build and maintain their data centres, which can be costly and resource intensive.

Adopt Green Business Practices

Software companies can adopt green business practices like recycling, reducing waste, and minimizing their use of paper products. Companies can also source environmentally friendly products and services and choose suppliers who share their sustainability goals.

Support Environmental Causes

Software companies can support environmental causes through partnerships with non-profit organisations or through donations.

Companies can also engage their employees in environmental causes by organising volunteer activities or encouraging them to participate in community initiatives.

Measure & Report on Sustainability

To be truly sustainable, companies must measure and report on their sustainability efforts. Companies can track their energy consumption, carbon emissions, waste reduction, and other sustainability metrics to assess their progress and identify areas for improvement.

By publicly reporting on their sustainability efforts, companies can also demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and transparency.

In conclusion, software companies have a significant opportunity to reduce their environmental impact and become more sustainable.

By embracing remote work, using renewable energy, adopting green business practices, creating sustainable software products, supporting environmental causes, and measuring and reporting on sustainability, companies can make a positive impact on the environment while also building a more sustainable business.

Nicki Smith

KFA Connect – Sales & Marketing Manager

27th March 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

2 FREE 90-Minute Consultancy Sessions

Let our Team of IBM i experts suggest solutions for existing issues, discuss any existing project requirements or help plan new projects with 2 FREE 90-Minute Consultancy Sessions*.

We are giving your business access to our team of experts who will be able to assist you with new ideas for your IBM i application, migration from the IBM i, IBM i integration or improvements to the day-to-day operational running of your system.

Acknowledging that every business has very unique needs, we propose the first session will be one of discovery where we will discuss your needs in detail. Once we have these details we will identify the best member(s) of the team to attend the second session where we will be able to discuss in greater detail.

The intended outcome of the two sessions is to present you with solutions that will enable your business to grow and thrive in the digital age, ensuring full leverage of the IBM i to drive business growth and success.  

In addition to our expertise in IBM i, KFA’s consultants also bring a wealth of knowledge in other areas of technology. They will help business owners better understand web development, software development and can provide guidance on how to utilise these in the most effective way.

Our Services

• IBM i Application Modernisation
• IBM i Development
• IBM i Data Migration
• IBM i eCommerce Integration
• IBM i Integration
• IBM i System Upgrades
• IBM i Testing
• IBM i Support

The Important bit…

*Free consulting sessions are subject to availability and the offer is valid for sessions booked and held on or before 31/07/2023. 

Sessions can be used to discuss current code, databases, and application interfaces and scope potential projects but do not include implementing any system changes. 

If your intention is to migrate from the IBM i we will also be able to offer the free consultancy services to assist you with the process. KFA Connect will provide a written quotation on request for any requirements identified during the sessions that you would like us to deliver. 

There is no obligation to engage in the services of KFA Connect beyond the free consultancy sessions. 

24th March 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

KFA Connect helps Nutland Carpets Accessories to print PDF’s from their IBM i.

Richard Austin – New Business Director, KFA Connect

Richard Austin – Husband, Dad, Son, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Confidant and KFA Director.

Richard never had any intentions of working in IT, it just happened!

Starting Out…

Having failed my ‘A’ levels and taken a job at a local manufacturing company driving documents between manufacturing locations, because of my love of cars, I was encouraged by colleagues to apply for an internal opportunity as a trainee IBM S/38 developer.

I really wasn’t too sure it was for me, and besides, I was 18 and was loving driving the company brand new Astra GTE around for parts of the day! It was a big departure from driving my own 1964 Mini 850cc that rarely made it to my intended destination.

Have a Go!

Having been persuaded to at least ‘have a go’ and apply for the job, I passed the aptitude test and was offered the role. At this point, I think it’s safe to say, my life changed considerably for the better and my future became a lot brighter.

After a 10-week residential training course learning the S/38 from scratch and learning to program in RPG and CL, I returned to my employer and was immediately promoted from Trainee to Junior programmer. This was not through any skill on my part but through the necessity of trying to keep hold of staff in what was a very buoyant market.

Reaching the dizzy heights of Junior programmer wasn’t enough for me and when I was offered the role of programmer on the then-new AS/400, at a large American bank, I rewarded the company who had invested heavily in me by jumping at the opportunity. In this role, I grew my developer skills and gained significant operational experience particularly around IT security. 

After 2 years I left the bank to go contracting at the age of 21.  

The Next 20 Years…

Over a period of 20 years I worked predominantly in Finance for large multi-national banks and investment houses in the city of London. One year was spent living and working in Switzerland where my now wife and I caught the bug for skiing and snowboarding. Whenever I wanted to work nearer to home I took a break from Finance and worked in local Retail and Distribution contracts.  

Always looking for new opportunities, I purchased one of the software houses I had been contracting at locally but was unable to make a success of the business and returned to contract in London where within 12 months I had set up a consultancy providing resources to the bank for support and development of their AS/400 application. This consultancy agreement remained in place for 10 years.

KFA Connect

In 2011 I joined KFA as a contractor and was tasked with trying to re-vitalise the business with new ideas whilst helping to service the existing customer base. Within 2 years of joining, I became a 50% owner of the business through a Management Buyout with another colleague/friend at the company.

Throughout my 35 years in IT, the diversity of my roles in different organisations has led to a wealth of experience and a real understanding of how business works in both large and small organisations with exposure to many different areas of IT delivery, operations, and management.

Work-Life Balance

I have always been someone who looks for a good balance between work and family. I love to travel and enjoyed playing golf regularly in my late 20s/early 30s before my wonderful children were born.

I have always lived along the South Coast from Portsmouth to Bournemouth and finally settled in the New Forest in 1996. The New Forest provides me and my family with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors walking, cycling and camper vanning.

My passion for a healthy life, both mentally and physically, is reflected in our ethos for the KFA  team, encouraging hard work but plenty of time away from work to recharge, switch off and enjoy life.   

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.