Our team
Meet the team
Interested in working with Optimising IT to empower your IT services, solve technical challenges and grow your business? Then, why not learn more about the people who have made our support company the industry-leading, award-winning service that it is today?
While our team is built from people across a diverse range of backgrounds and professional experiences, we’re all heavily invested in one simple joint goal — to deliver managed IT support and consultancy that stands head and shoulders above our competition.
78% Average First Contact Resolution
98.8% Average Customer Satisfaction Score
Rapid Response Time
Cyber Focused Approach
ABOUT
WHO ARE WE?
Optimising IT was founded with a mission.
We wanted to transform the way people thought about IT services.
For too long, IT development has been an overly expensive, overly complicated thorn in the side of business owners across the country. We all know the results are rewarding, but the journey is often fraught with blood, sweat and far too many tears.
But our team does things differently.
Our team never wants you to be worried about your IT again.
We’ve invested our time and energy in connecting with the best in the business, hiring only people aligned with our goals and objectives. Over the years, we’ve built a team of true IT experts. From helpdesk support gurus and technical wizards to innovative consultants and forward-thinking project managers, the Optimising IT team is not only a collection of the brightest minds in IT but also a community of individuals who are passionate about making a difference to your business.
Save money. Save time. Save heartache with Optimising IT.
OPTIMISING IT TEAM
INTRODUCING OUR TEAM
Get to know the faces — and people — behind our award-winning team.
Dan Morgan
Service Desk Team Lead
Dan joined Optimising IT in April 2013 initially as a Service Desk Engineer before progressing to a role as Service Desk Team Lead. Day-to-day Dan provides a fantastic service to our customers and colleagues, through troubleshooting and offering support to all. Outside of work, Dan is all about sports – he loves to play golf, or you’ll find him out mountain biking. He’s also a football fan and has been a coach and club secretary for a local club, although he’s retiring this season!
Daniel Grinnell
3rd Line Team Lead
Daniel joined Optimising IT in August of 2019 as a 3rd Line Engineer, but the company have supported him in progressing to 3rd Line Team Lead since then, with further Microsoft certifications relating to his role. He loves to provide solutions and recommendations to clients as well as the company itself. Beyond work, Daniel’s family and two young children keep him busy although he loves to play golf when he gets the chance.
Dan Burke
IT Service Technician
Dan is an IT Service Technician, which is a role he’s grown into since joining the company in September 2019. Day-to-day, Dan’s role is very mixed including tasks in service desk response, procurement and device configuration and builds, which allows for a lot of variety and interest. Outside of work, you’ll find him touring the countryside of Wales, the Cotswolds or other places – such as British Superbikes – on his motorbike. Dan’s also into martial arts and is a 3rd Dan/Black Belt at Karate and 2nd Dan/Black Belt at Taekwondo.
Charlie Haward
Non-Exec Director
Charlie is a dyed-in-the-wool team member of the company, having been here from the start when she was the Service Desk Manager. Charlie is now a Non-Exec Director for ESG – focussing on ensuring Optimising IT are meeting our People and Planet commitments, and improving our ongoing Impact. Outside of work, Charlie is a runner and an Event Director for the Cheltenham Parkrun. She also loves creative hobbies such as pottery, drawing and glass art.
Kate Berry
IT Support Engineer
Kate joined Optimising IT in 2016 as a Support Engineer. In her daily role, one thing she most enjoys is a service desk call that begins with “This is probably a silly/daft/quirky question, but…”- because these often lead to more challenging problems to solve. Beyond her desk, she’s a volunteer Racesafe Marshall, supporting British Superbike events as part of the ‘orange army’. Kate will be stationed at danger points around racetracks to assist in case of collisions, accidents or track problems.
Paris Stanbrook
IT Support Engineer
Paris joined Optimising IT in October of 2022 as an IT Support Apprentice, and has since progressed to IT Support Engineer. Paris loves that the role is so varied, and no two days are ever the same, with something new to look into at any given moment. Outside of work, Paris likes to spend time with family and watch TV shows or can be found cheering behind a barrier at a live football game.
Ben Smith
Head of Consultancy
When Ben joined the company in October 2016 he came in as a Project Engineer, but in the years since then, he’s worked as a 3rd Line Engineer and Lead to become the Head of Consultancy. Ben’s day-to-day role as a Cyber Advisor means he spends time engaging with customers to improve their cyber security, which he really enjoys. Beyond work, he loves all things sports!
Niall Aldridge
Head of Projects
Niall began his journey with Optimising IT in September 2014 as a Project Engineer, later progressing to a Technical Consultant and his current role is now as the Head of Projects. Niall’s role provides plenty of problem solving, which he loves! From improving project delivery processes, developing technology roadmaps for clients or working with our in-house team to overcome challenges. Beyond work hours he values spending quality time with his family to foster a healthy, work-life balance.
Callum Battrick
IT Support Engineer
Callum joined Optimising IT in November 2020 as an IT support Engineer, and one of the things he loves best about his job is the huge variety of issues that he gets to work with. The fact is that every day is different, and no one knows what might show up and this is what makes his job so exciting to him! Outside of work Callum does a lot of 3D printing and enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends.
Steve Budding
Senior Account Manager
Steve joined the company in July 2023 as a Business Development Manager, before becoming Senior Account Manager in July 2024. He loves how every day is different with talking to clients or simply improving knowledge of the industry. Most of all what gets him out of bed in the mornings is knowing he works with a great team who also believe in putting our customers and their needs first. Outside of work most of Steve’s time is spent being ‘Dad’s taxi’ ferrying his daughter and son to their various clubs and events or with other parents on the sidelines, or in the bar!
James Rodgers
Proactive Team Lead
The career journey for James at Optimising IT began in November 2011 as an apprentice, and he has since progressed into the role of Proactive Team Lead. This means that he helps to improve processes and procedures as a company as well as fulfilling an active role as a member of the service desk. In his spare time outside of work, you’ll find him either in the gym or out on his bike.
Fi Jeffrey
Business Administrator
Fi joined the company in April 2018 as the Business Administrator. There’s no such thing as a typical day because although the finance calendar is pretty much set in stone, everything else is very fluid. Besides finances, she can find herself booking hotels, a tradesperson to fix a window or organising pizza for a company update event! Outside of work, Fi loves long walks with her dogs, Bear and Cub, especially by the water as they love to swim!
Carrie-Ann Murphy
Account Manager
Carrie-Ann Murphy joined Optimising IT in January 2020, initially as a Junior IT Support before becoming a fully fledged 2nd line support in 2021. Carrie-Ann built a great report with our customers and moved into an Account Manager role in 2022. Carrie-Ann is often out meeting with customers and she works with all areas of the business to ensure customers are happy across the board. When Carrie-Ann is not at her desk or with customers, she can be found enjoying playing a game Uno in the kitchen with the team. Outside of work, Carrie-Ann enjoys spending time with family or indulging in some retail therapy.
Owen Bullock
IT Support Apprentice
Owen came into the company in July 2022 as an IT Support Apprentice, and he loves that his role has him working alongside a great team as part of the amazing environment Optimising IT has created. Owen is now at the end of his apprenticeship and hopes to pass with flying colours thanks to the support he’s been given at the company. Outside of work, Owen has so many hobbies it’s hard to keep up with them all! He loves photography, bouldering, skateboarding and guitar to just name a few!
Matt Cartwright
Head of Service Delivery
Matt first started working at Optimising IT in February 2016 as a Service Desk Engineer and has progressed from Team Lead to Head of Service Delivery. The fact that there isn’t really a ‘typical’ day is what he loves most about his role. He works alongside an awesome team in the Service and Account Management areas of the business. Outside of work, Matt is an avid tennis player and rugby fan, in between being a taxi for his two kids and their various clubs. When Matt gets time he also likes to indulge his guilty pleasure and watch some ‘Made in Chelsea’.
Gary Smith
Founder and Director
Gary founded the company in 2013 and held the role of Managing Director until Todd stepped into the position in 2023, but he continues to be an active director of the company. He loves seeing the team grow in capability and progress in their careers as well as welcoming new staff as we continue to grow. Gary’s role is hugely varied, with time spent with the board and management team planning initiatives, talking to clients, helping with automation and business intelligence as well as interacting with the team in areas where he can provide support and guidance. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family as well as running and motor racing.
Pete Last
IT Project Engineer
Before joining Optimising IT Pete had a very varied career from sheep farming to roofing, but the thread throughout has been in IT with some app and web development support and administration which set him up for his role as IT Project Engineer when he began in April 2023. The most satisfying part of the job for Pete is problem solving alongside the variety created by the tasks, projects and array of different clients. Beyond work Pete loves rock climbing, gaming online with friends or fixing up an old motorbike project he’s got on the go. He is also trying to teach himself to kitesurf!
Todd Gifford
Managing Director
Todd has been part of Optimising IT since February 2015 when he started as an IT Consultant. Since then, he has worked his way up to Managing Director and loves the fact there are no ‘typical’ days in this business. This business runs differently from every other one he’s worked in, and he believes it is all the better for it. Todd most enjoys coming up with new ideas, although he’s not sure everyone always likes them as much as he does! Outside of work, he loves spending time with his family and being outdoors.
Jack Smith
IT Project Engineer
Jack started working for Optimising IT in May 2019 as an IT Project Engineer and he really enjoys the huge diversity in the projects we deliver as well as the fact that every day is different with new challenges. Each one is an opportunity to learn new things and develop. Beyond work hours you’ll most likely find him either in the gym or out walking with his Cockapoo puppy.
Shilton Pereira
IT Support Technician
When he joined the company in April 2021, Shilton’s role was as an IT Field Engineer, but his role now is as an IT Support Technician which allows him to help customers and colleagues with problems and interesting issues every day. When he’s not at work he loves to play pool and video games and travel as much as he can.
Millie Chambers
Marketing Manager
Millie joined the Optimising IT team in January 2023 as Marketing Manager. Millie oversees all of the marketing activity from marketing strategy, to campaign management, all the way through to social media. Millie is also a member of the charity committee and works closely with the many charities that Optimising IT support. When not at work Millie enjoys spending time with her family and friends or exploring new places.
Emma Mallett
Regional Sales Manager
Emma joined Optimising IT in September 2023 and predominantly works with our Exeter team. Emma enjoys meeting new customers and supporting the growth of the business. Outside of work, Emma loves mountaineering and is planning to summit a 6000m peak to raise money for charity. She has also started learning how to code in her free time.
Tyler Griffiths
Regional Sales Manager
Tyler joined the Optimising IT team in September 2024 as a Regional Sales Manager having spent his working career in the world of sales. Tyler loves to meet new customers, getting to know their business and looking at ways he can support and improve their unique efficiencies and growth. When Tyler is not at work he particularly enjoys partaking in various sports, including football, boxing and pool and is always looking out for new eateries to discover where he can take his foodie knowledge to the next level!
Bradlei Davison
Regional Sales Manager
Bradlei joined Optimising IT in October 2024 as a Regional Sales Manager, bringing a wealth of experience from his time working at Grey Matter Ltd, BCNS and as management for Acronyms Ltd and Nexus OS. He is driven by his love for people, relationship building and his passion for helping transform businesses and their IT strategies. Outside of work, Bradlei is a family man, living with two little boys, two cocker spaniels and his fiancé, Amy. He enjoys nothing more than a fine restaurant or a visit to the Just Eat app. Fun Fact: Bradlei used to play football with England international, and Aston Villa superstar, Ollie Watkins!
Maria Allebone
Marketing Executive
Maria joined Optimising IT in November 2024 as a Marketing Executive. Maria has been in the exciting world of marketing for over ten years, working in a variety of roles and now brings her wealth of experience to Optimising IT. She enjoys creating comprehensive, holistic marketing strategies and is always looking for new ways to stay ahead of trends. Outside of work, she loves nothing more than visiting the theatre or hosting creative and fun events during the festival season, when she doesn’t have her hands full with her two little boys!
Dan Taylor
Non-Executive Director
Dan joined Optimising IT as a Non-Exec Director in 2018. Beginning his chartered accounting career at Grant Thornton, before moving to Ridgeway Group as their CFO and then embarking on his current role as a partner at Alderway Partnership Capital. Dan thrives on helping scale a range of businesses and enjoys getting to know the people behind the operation. In his spare time, Dan is an avid supporter of his children’s sporting activities and enjoys undertaking property renovation projects.
James Cater
Non-Executive Director
James joined the company as a Non-Exec Director in 2024. James brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to Optimising IT having lead many sales, marketing and business development teams. Along with his current role as CEO of Fraser Anti-Static Techniques, he also serves as the Chair of the Exeter Initiative of Science and Technology (EXIST), Vice Chair of the Exeter Chamber of Commerce and is a dedicated business mentor for Tech South West and SETsquared. When he does find a moment to himself, James enjoys growing heritage fruit and vegetables and is an avid snowboarder.
Advice
CLAIM YOUR FREE IT SYSTEMS AUDIT
The pressure of IT system management can be intense. The weight of having to find staff or specialists to support your business IT requirements even more so.
At Optimising IT, we can relieve that pressure and remove the weight from your shoulders. We’ll help you take care of your business needs.
Take your first step towards a brighter future for your IT services by claiming your free system audit today. Together, we’ll review your IT structure and networks, look at your goals and objectives and create a custom-built roadmap to success.
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