What did you want to be when you were a child?
I wanted to be a footballer, I wanted to be just like my idol Eric Cantona and play for Manchester United. To be like Eric with his charisma, his class attitude and just ooze greatness everywhere he went. However, if you see me walking around with my shirt collar up remind me to put it back down.
What inspired you to pursue a career in IT?
From an early age I enjoyed loading computer games onto my Commadore 64 and loved playing games such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Golden Axe and Street Fighter on my Sega Mega Drive. Throughout my education days I was always interested in the latest tech and how things worked, so I tend to listen more in my IT classes rather than any other subject.
After gaining my degree at the University of Salford I then became an IT Teacher but found myself wanting to be more hands on with the IT equipment rather than teaching, marking work and telling students to behave. I really enjoyed the time off during the school holidays though.
What is involved in your current role?
With the task of overseeing all IT functions of the company, my role needs me to have expert knowledge of the industry’s best practices and stay up-to-date with advances. My main responsibilities include:
- Supervising daily operations of network and server infrastructure.
- Aligning IT infrastructure with current and future business requirements and goals.
- Managing IT budgets, forecast and enforcing cost-effectiveness.
- Evaluating risk, developing network recovery and backup processes.
- Assessing and purchasing new and replacement hardware.
- Assuring that IT activities are within the limits of applicable laws, codes and regulations.
- Testing, troubleshooting and adjusting information systems to operate effectively.
- Implementing security of the network, data and its storage and communication systems
What projects are you currently working on?
The IT road map is really exciting at Exyte Hargreaves, we have lots to look forward to. A new VOIP telephone system will be installed very soon and we are moving a lot of our in house technologies into the cloud.
Our digital transformation will provide ease of working which will then become more productive, more purposeful and more rewarding. Now is the time to determine what our end users need to thrive; how roles are likely to change; and how to build an engaging, collaborative culture, where everyone feels able to contribute, wherever they are.
Our future road map will use cloud, machine learning and AI along with portable devices to ensure secure, efficient, and enjoyable work. This will lead to more engaged employees, greater margins, higher brand loyalty, and future success.
What has been your greatest achievement?
My first greatest achievement was marrying my gorgeous wife, I have been punching above my weight ever since I met her.
My next three great achievements are my children. I have a red headed three year old called Ralphie who has a lovely smile but a temper nobody wants to get in the way of. Riley is 12 years old and a fantastic footballer. He currently represents Rochdale FC at his age group. I have a stunning daughter called Maisie who is 15 in September this year who is extremely clever and quick witted and loves to go out shopping. Im sure all the readers of this who have met me are now thinking; no way Mark has a 15 year old, he looks to young to have a child that age (that’s just my youthful good looks guys).
What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting a career in IT?
Get ready for a career path like no other…..
IT offers many fantastic opportunities, there’s never a dull day, always something new to sink your teeth into and learn about and not just that, if you think outside of the box like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs did you never know where you IT career may take you in this ever changing digitalised world.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to keep up to date with the latest tech gadgets, but I spend most of my spare time now being a taxi driver for my children to get them to their activities. However, I love spending the rest of my spare time with my family enjoying a large glass of whiskey, listening to Oasis and watching football.
