Here at The Unite Group we are always looking for ways to keep our customers up to date with the latest deals, tips, industry news as well as what our fantastic team are getting up to! We are proud to produce a monthly newsletter to do this.
In this newsletter: we share the charity golf days we are participating in, celebrate 1 year of our newsletter, welcome 2 new team members to the Social+ team, showcase one of our fantastic customers Tumble Activity Centre, introduce the next Network+ event, talk all things cyber essentials & are looking for an individual to join our team!
To read The Unite Group’s July Monthly Newsletter, click on the image below!
Following on in our meet the team series, we introduce you to Mike. Mike is our Technical Director here at The Unite Group and mostly focuses on the IT side of the business.
We recently had a chat with him to find out a bit more about him and his role…
Growing up, what did you want to be?
I never really knew what field I wanted to go into when I was younger. However I did always enjoy engineering and problem solving. So naturally I ended up doing tech & sciences which led me into discovering a passion for IT and business. I was told by a careers advisor at school that as I was an early riser and liked the outdoors I should be a farmer, so I’m glad I didn’t follow that advice!
What is your role at The Unite Group and how did you end up where you are now?
I am one of the directors within the group and oversee most technical IT aspects of the company and IT projects. I have worked in IT for 23 years. In roles ranging from IT helpdesk, support desk team leader, IT consultant and GIS analyst. After starting SMT Technologies with Dean we later merged our business with Unite Communications. This formed The Unite Group, combining the IT expertise of SMT Tech with the comms expertise of Unite landing me here amongst a great team.
What does a typical day look like at The Unite Group?
As we service a whole host of companies for comms, IT and social media we don’t really have a typical day in the office. I can end up working on any project if the team escalates issues to me. This is one of the exciting parts of the job! Although to summarise a standard week I will mostly be working on planning projects and meeting with clients to discuss the IT options available to them, working with the team on any escalations and trying to fit in work on the groups IT and systems also.
What is your most and least favourite part of the job?
I most enjoy planning and deploying new solutions and systems to overcome issues for clients and our own business, it’s like solving a puzzle!
As for the least favourite part I would have to say, and Lorraine would probably agree, I don’t like completing the finance paperwork we need to keep on top of so I often cause her a headache chasing me to complete or submit information she needs.
What is your greatest achievement?
I would have to say it would be the hard work put into our company which saw us grow from a small 2 man firm into the group we are today. It’s a great source of pride and we really have a great team throughout which delivers a great atmosphere!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Simply try your best and don’t give up, something instilled firmly by my family as a youth and as a married adult and its very much the theme of my favorite poem, IF, with the line “Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools very much instilling the fact that at times you will hit hardship and see a dream dashed but if you just keep on you can make something better. I think most people can relate closely to that with all the tragedies and hardships recently.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
We have some exciting plans to scale and grow the group and the offerings we deliver so I very much see myself still here, maybe with a 4 day week if I’m lucky! I don’t like having nothing to do so the hustle and bustle of the business is great.
How do you unwind outside of work?
I enjoy zoning out to music. I listen to anything from classical through to country and heavy rock & metal depending on my mood. My current favourite playlist is leaning very heavily to Pink Floyd and Creedence Clearwater Revival for a bit of a retro kick. I also enjoy cooking (when it’s not a rush just to get dinner out) and we as a family enjoy traveling when possible.
Continuing on in our meet the team series, next up we introduce to you Chris one of our Senior Service Engineers. Chris joined us just over a year ago and is often out the office working on our customer sites solving any IT issues. We recently had a chat with him…
Growing up, what did you want to be?
Growing up I wanted to be a rally car driver. Clearly this dream never became a reality, however, I am so happy with where I have ended up. Each day is very different and there is never a dull moment.
What is your role at The Unite Group and how did you end up where you are now?
My role here at The Unite Group is a Senior Service Engineer. My career started out in an apprentice role, after which I then worked in IT for 18 years. Back in May 2021 I joined the Unite Group and am really enjoying being part of a team that works so well together.
What does a typical day look like at The Unite Group?
There isn’t a ‘typical’ day, the good thing about my role is I get to experience many aspects of IT. From spec’ing and quoting bespoke IT solutions to meet a client’s requirements. To fully installing and supporting them. Everyday is different for me and that’s why I love my role!
What is your most and least favourite part of the job?
My most favourite part of the job is when everything comes together, and a project is completed to the highest standard possible making our clients happy. However, my least favourite part of the job is when stock levels are low as it makes it very difficult to supply hardware, as you can imagine in the world we are in at the moment this makes things more challenging.
What is your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement has got to be buying my first home and my 2 children.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Take pride in what you do and try your best!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
In 10 years’ time, I hope to be successful and to have worked through many new and exciting projects. I wish to have expanded upon my skillset and knowledge within my role. I also see myself making many more fun and exciting memories with my beautiful family.
How do you unwind outside of work?
Outside of work I like to spend time with my family and friends. Also on the rare occasions when I get “me time” I like to watch football or play video games.
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