Meet the Directors

Business Life

I find it funny how calling people' Geeks' used to be a derogatory term. I am a Geek, and like that description, to me, it says I love technology, and I do. In fact, I am one of the lucky people to have worked all my working life with what I love. I use technology all day and go home and tinker with technology all evening in my personal time.

I began my career back in the late 80s / early 90s producing computer-generated art as a hobby. Back then, the internet didn't even exist (something the youth of today would find hard to understand). I sold several of my art pieces to HMV, Athena, and they have exported globally some pieces selling in excess of a million posters. When problems occurred, the aid for computer-related issues back then was scarce, just books, really, so I learned how to fix issues with computers with no idea it would end up as my career.

In 1998, I had the opportunity to put that knowledge to work. A friend and I ventured out, with the help of the Princess Trust, and opened a small Internet Café and PC shop. This grew up to and over the millennium mark to 2004 whereby, small shops became unprofitable due to the launch of such mammoths as PC world, eBay and eventually Amazon.

I decided to turn my hand to I.T for the corporate world and again launched a new company in 2008 providing managed services to Businesses. Since I have been heavily involved in solution providing, support of the business network and many evolving technologies such as Microsoft 365 and VoIP communication provision for large companies of many different sectors

Likes

I get a buzz out of helping people and companies improve what they have. Profitability isn't as high on my priority list as ensuring what we provide is good value and improves what my clients have.

Dislikes

Salespeople in our industry give us a bad name. I have strong ethics; I hate commission-driven I.T Salespeople upselling poor services making good people's jobs harder.

Most Important

Work satisfaction and Client Happiness

Personal

I was born and grew up in the 'old town' area of Scarborough. My father's side Fishermen, and my mother's Farmers. We moved to West Yorkshire and settled in 2004 when my wife (a cardiologist and lung specialist) was contracted to work with ex-coal miners. We planted roots in Castleford and have stayed there ever since.

I am an avid fisherman, as is Ben, my business partner, and we go whenever able. Beyond, most of my time is spent with my wife, son and grandchildren.

Favourite Pastime

Fishing when I can get time

Favourite Film

The Hobbit / Lord of the Rings

Business Life

I have had a long and proud career in IT infrastructure and support, spanning 18 years. Starting out as an apprentice back in 2004 for a firm that looked after primary schools across Bradford, Calderdale and Kirklees. This is where I really ‘cut my teeth’ and became skilled in IT. I quickly moved up within the team, eventually training and managing the other technicians. After eight years of hard graft, going as far as I could within that company, I decided it was time to find out just how ‘skilled’ I was. (Having been swimming in a small pond thus far).

Moving into the business world, I joined Eclipse Legal in Bradford, which specialises in software for the legal sector. Excelling within the internal IT infrastructure department supporting 150+ users, I hit another ceiling after two years and could not progress any further. I made a sidewards move between departments and spent two years installing and configuring their software product for various solicitors up and down the country. Whilst it was fun for a time to travel, stay in hotels, hopping on tubes, I did not consider this role to be technical enough for me and began to miss my true calling.

One thing that became apparent during my time visiting all these law firms was that I was far more skilled than most of the IT managers I was liaising with. I was turning up to install our software and instead having to assist the local IT staff with various network & server issues first! I decided it was time for me to take the leap and try and secure an IT manager role for myself. Somewhere I could finally make my own decisions about IT systems and expenditure.

In 2016 I left Eclipse and started a job as head of IT for BM Howarth, an accountancy firm based in Halifax with offices across West Yorkshire and an 80+ user base. It was here I could finally flex my IT muscles, and I set about making substantial changes that would improve business efficiency, security, and resilience. I was a victim of my own success; after three years, I was bored. Everything was done! I started learning new skills, including VoIP, and in November 2019, an opportunity arose to start up an IT firm within an existing group of companies. I now manage the technical team here at AFP and oversee the day-to-day operations, project management, installations, and IT support.

Likes

I love it when we take on a new client, and there are so many problems that need fixing. The more things that have been set up incorrectly, the better! I get wonderful job satisfaction "sorting out" other IT professional's 'work'.

Dislikes

IT enthusiasts, part-time hobbyists who watch a YouTube clip, then try and tell us how things should be set up! Stick to what you know best!

Most Important

Always do what you say you are going to do. Never make false promises; stick to your word.

Personal

I'm a Bradford lad, married with two beautiful daughters. My family are my world. When I'm not working hard to improve our products and services, I'm spending time with my wife and kids. I believe in the work hard, play hard approach to life. We like to go camping every school holiday and enjoy the outdoors.

Favourite Pastime

Fishing, Cycling, Gaming, Caravanning

Favourite Film

Aliens