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 Lead
Previous Job Title
Service Desk Engineer
When did you Start:
04/2013
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
Helping cutomers and colleagues to provide a good service
What do you get up to outside of work:
Golf and Mountain Biking
Anything else:
Local football team coach and club secretary – retired this season !
Daniel Grinnell
3rd Line Team Lead
Previous Job Title
Originally, I started as a 3rd Line Engineer, but Optimising IT have provided me the opportunity and guidance for further progression
When did you Start:
08/2019
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
I love being able to provide solutions and recommendations to Clients as well as OIT.
What do you get up to outside of work:
I have a family and 2 young children so that keeps me busy, I do love to play Golf when I can
Anything else:
Optimising IT have helped me obtain further Microsoft certifications that relate to my Role, its another testament to OIT and helping everyone progress within the Organization
Dan Burke
IT Service Technician
Previous Job Title
Joined the company as an apprentice and grew into my current role from there.
When did you Start:
09/2019
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
Been able to develop a mix of the Service Desk, Procurement and device configuration/builds allowing for a change of pace.
What do you get up to outside of work:
On my motorbike whenever possible travelling around Wales, the Cotswolds or visiting the British Superbikes. 3rd Dan / Black Belt in Karate and a 2nd Dan/ Black Belt in Taekwondo.
Charlie Haward
IT Support Engineer
Previous Job TItle:
Started as the Service Desk Manager
When did you Start:
At the beginning, or even before!
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
I love that my role is very varied and I get involved with all sorts of projects across the business.
What do you get up to outside of work:
My main hobby is running and I am one of the Event Directors for Cheltenham parkrun. I also enjoy creative hobbies including pottery, drawing and glass art
Kate Berry
IT Support Engineer
When did you Start:
2016
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
A Servicedesk call that starts with “this is a silly/daft/quirky question but….” as they can sometimes lead on to be the more challenging ones
What do you get up to outside of work:
Volunteer Racesafe Marshall
Paris Stanbrook
IT Support Apprentice
When did you Start:
10/2022
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
I enjoy how no two days are the same, and there could be something new to look at at any given moment
What do you get up to outside of work:
I like to spend time with family, go to Football games, and watch TV shows
Ben Smith
Technical Services Manager
Previous Job Title
Project Engineer > 3rd Line Engineer > 3rd Line Lead > Technical Services Manager
When did you Start:
10/2016
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
As a certified Cyber Advisor I specifically enjoy engaging with customers to improve their cyber security posture
What do you get up to outside of work:
All things sports!
Niall Aldridge
Professional Services Manager
Previous Job Title:
My journey within Optimising IT has been one of growth. I started as a Project Engineer, then progressed to become a Technical Consultant, and now find myself in the role of Professional Services Manager
When did you Start:
09/2014
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
The aspect of my role that resonates with me is problem-solving. Whether it’s improving project delivery processes, developing technology roadmaps for our clients, or working with the team to overcome delivery challenges
What do you get up to outside of work:
Outside of work, I value spending quality time with my family. This balance allows me to bring fresh perspectives to my role and foster a healthy work-life dynamic
Callum Battrick
IT Support Engineer
When did you Start:
11/2020
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
I love the variety of issues I get to work with every day, keeps the job exciting!
What do you get up to outside of work:
I do a lot of 3D printing, and play a lot of Dungeons and Dragons!
Steve Budding
Business Development Manager
When did you Start:
07/2023
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
Every day is different at OIT, I could be talking to clients, helping to plan our next marketing campaign or trying to improve my own knowledge on the industry. But what really gets me out of bed in the mornings is I know that I work with a group of like-minded individuals who put the customer and their needs above all else.
What do you get up to outside of work:
I have 2 children, a daughter who is 13 (a teenager and doesn’t she know it) and a son who is 10 and is sports mad. Both children are extremely active, so all of my spare time is usually spent driving them to their various clubs and events. This essentially means any social time is spent with other parents in various sports related bars or sidelines.
I have spent most of my working life in the Edtech and IT Industry and have had various different roles within it, but what I have enjoyed the most is when I actually get to speak and interact with the customers so I already know that I am going to enjoy my time here at Optimising IT as that principle is at the core of everything they do, transparent and open communications.
James Rodgers
Proactive Team Lead
Previous Job Title:
I began my journey at OptimisingIT as an apprentice, after successfully finishing my apprenticeship I moved onto the role of Proactive Team Lead
When did you Start:
11/2021
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
With my proactive mindset I help improve the processes and procedures we have in place along with fulfilling my role as a member of the service desk.
What do you get up to outside of work:
In my spare time you’ll find me at the gym or riding.
Toni-Lorraine Tomlinson
Supply Chain Co-Ordinator
Previous Job Title:
I started as a Procurement Administrator in 2019 and moved into my current role Aug 2020
When did you Start:
04/2019
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
My favourite part of my role is process improvements and negotiating. I ensure we find the best suppliers for us and our clients, that align with our ethos as a business without compromising good pricing.
What do you get up to outside of work:
Outside of work, I’m kept busy with a big family and I love to bake and read. I love a bit of research!
Anything else:
I’ve done two apprenticeships resulting in NVQ 2 Warehousing and Logistics, and NVQ 2 Business and Administration. I apply both of these in my role constantly.
Carrie-Ann Murphy
Account Manager
When did you Start:
01/2020
Matt Cartwright
Service Desk Manager
Previous Job Title:
Service Desk Engineer, Service Desk Team Lead
When did you Start:
02/2016
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
For me there really isn’t a typical day, which is what I love most about the role. Covering the Service and Account Management areas of the business, I am able to not only work alongside an awesome team, but also have the opportunity to work directly with our customers.
What do you get up to outside of work:
Having 2 children, my weekends are pretty filled up with being ‘taxi’ to their relevant clubs 😊 I am an avid tennis player and rugby fan and my guilty pleasure is ‘Made in Chelsea’
Fi Jeffrey
Business Administrator
Previous Job Title:
I’ve always been the BA but sometimes it’s been called Sales Ledger Assistant, still the same role though
When did you Start:
04/2018
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
There’s no such thing as a typical day. Although the finance calendar is pretty much set in stone all the other things are very fluid. Booking hotels, finding tradespeople to fix a window lock, organising pizza for a company update event. Anything that doesn’t have a designated responsible person
What do you get up to outside of work:
I find that any time out of work disappears quickly. But I really enjoy long dog walks especially by water as my dog Bear can’t resist a swim
Owen Bullock
IT Support Apprentice
When did you Start:
01/07/2022
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
I enjoy working in a team, the environment created at OIT is amazing to work in.
What do you get up to outside of work:
I have way too many hobbies, its hard to keep up with them. These include Photography, Bouldering, Skateboarding, Guitar and many more!
Anything else:
I am now at the end of my apprenticeship and hoping to receive the best grade!
Shilton Pereira
IT Support Technician
Previous Job Title:
IT Field Engineer
When did you Start:
04/2021
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
I like helping people inside & outside of work so this Job suits me right. Every day is different with some interesting issues to deal with.
What do you get up to outside of work:
Outside of work I also Enjoy Travelling a lot, Playing Pool & Video Games
Anything else:
Professional Google Workspace Administrator
Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft 365 Certified: FundamentalsMicrosoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals
Exam 698: Installing and Configuring Windows 10
Todd Gifford
Managing Director
Previous Job Title:
No! I started as IT Consultant in 2015, then became Head of Consultancy, CTO, Technical Director and then MD
When did you Start:
02/2015
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
There are zero typical days – Optimising IT runs differently to every other business I have worked in, and is all the better for it. I most enjoy coming up with new ideas, but I’m not sure the rest of the team always like them!
What do you get up to outside of work:
I like the outdoors and spending time with the family
Anything else:
We do lots of cyber training and working with colleges and universities on the real world application of Technology and Cyber Security
Gary Smith
Founder and Director
Previous Job Title:
I founded Optimising IT in 2013 and held the role of Managing Director until 2023 when Todd stepped into the position. I continue to be an active director of the company.
When did you Start:
From the Beginning.
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
I love seeing the team grow in capability and progress in their careers, and welcoming new members as we continue to grow.In my role as Founder and Director my days are very varied. I spend time working with the board and management team on planning initiatives, talking to clients, helping with automation and business intelligence, and interacting with the team in areas where I can provide support and guidance.
What do you get up to outside of work:
Outside work I enjoy time with my family, running and motor racing.
Jack Smith
IT Project Engineer
When did you Start:
05/2019
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
I enjoy the diversity in projects that we deliver, always new things to learn.
What do you get up to outside of work:
Go to the gym, taking my Cockapoo puppy for walks.
Anything else:
Professional Workspace Administrator
Pete Last
IT Project Engineer
Previous Job Title:
Since I joined OIT 6 months ago I have been a project engineer, but I’ve had a variety of jobs before this one. I’ve worked on sheep farms, dismantled old boats for scrap and roofing. My main career focus has been in IT and although I’ve done some app and web development support and administration makes up the bulk of my experience
When did you Start:
04/2023
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
What I love about this role and most of IT is problem-solving. Few things are more satisfying than finally cracking that irritating problem you’ve been working on for 3 hours and I enjoy the variety of tasks and projects we get to take on at OIT due to our wide variety of customers
What do you get up to outside of work:
Outside of work I spend time trying to fix up an old motorbike, rock climbing or if it’s a quieter day I do enjoy playing a game online with friends.
Anything else:
I used to train and compete in Muay Thai, I completed the Bath Half in 2020 and I’m trying to teach myself how to kitesurf.
Emma Mallett
Sales and Marketing
When did you Start:
09/2023
A work related fact – what do you enjoy, what does a typical day look like:
I love strategic marketing and having the ability to apply this to drive the subjects of sustainability and community impact
What do you get up to outside of work:
I love mountaineering and I plan to summit a 6000m peak in the future to raise money for charity.
Anything else:
Started learning how to code.
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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