Published on Tuesday 23 August 2011 17:54 -
Peterborough ET
Lindsey Hall of Sentinel Business IT
Monday
Monday morning is tough for most, but doubly so for the techie staff at Sentinel Business IT, who pitch up at 7:45am for “Case Review”. All bleary eyed after the weekend revelries, we review the work week just gone and the one to come. Now, don’t blame me for the early start. This isn’t the unreasonable demand of an overly enthusiastic boss, but a suggestion from the team itself. A good one too, as while we share information across the team constantly, it is good to share ideas and thoughts on the stickier issues that can arise. A good excuse for “proper coffee” too, not that we need much.
Monday mornings are always busy at the best of times, but I manage to escape just after lunch to have chat with Kevin at Marlor Tooling about a new system he needs for a contract he has won. It’s great to see good people doing well.
Tuesday
Adrian, our long standing and trusty accountant came in today. It’s August again and filing day for Companies House looms large in everyone’s mind. It seems to come around with indecent haste every year, and always takes me slightly by surprise.
Not so Adrian, who armed with notes, statements and spread-sheets, is unflappably calm and organised. He then attempts to explain the finer points of depreciation, capital allowances and accruals to me. Quite obviously, I understand it all already, but feel it only courteous to allow him to explain it to me again. He mistakes my blank look for misunderstanding, but really: I’m on top of it!
Wednesday
I think that whoever came up with the concept of a “breakfast networking meeting” committed a grievous offence to business people everywhere. The trouble is that it works rather well, not intruding on the working day too much, and nowhere near as disruptive as a lunchtime meeting which always seems to see the entire afternoon vanish. Despite this prejudice against early rising, I’ve recently become involved in a fledgling new group called “Networkers”, which meets early and fortnightly at Perkins in Fengate. I would encourage any professional, serious about doing business in a relaxed and often jovial environment, to come along.
Then back to the office for a techie team catch up to see what’s going on. It’s simultaneously gratifying and a little dispiriting to find they are well on top of everything and don’t need anything from me at the moment. Not needed here, I disappear to play with social network marketing and web site tweaks. Late to the party, I have discovered social networking can be fun as well as good for business, and enjoy a good Twitter. Be careful; it can be addictive.
Thursday
I met our new business manager today from Barclays. Paul is our 3rd manager in about 10 years, and had some big boots to fill after Steve and Michael, who served us very well in the past. Have to say I liked Paul immediately. Younger than I expected, which was a bit of a surprise initially, but I soon realised he knew his stuff and I liked his approach. He seemed to like us too, and was suitably impressed with our systems and processes. It’s always nice to impress the bank manager... don’t you think?
Friday
It was “up north” today to Sheffield and Holmfirth. From IT security reviews, through disaster recovery discussions and dealing with end user issues, it makes for a varied and interesting time. Yes, okay it’s a lot of driving and a long day, but some of my favourite people reside and work here. I have the added bonus of driving over the Peak District on a lovely day in a convertible car to see my old friend and new customer Amanda for a chat and catch up. Tired and a little disappointed, I had to turn down the offer of dinner at a great local curry house. Setting back over the Peak District just as the light was failing, I had to stop for a while and take in the scene. Its times like these you think, “... and I get paid for this too!”
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Published on Wednesday 17 June 2009 13:01 -
