David O'Connell - Managing Director at Advantex Network Solutions Ltd.
Did you always envisage a career in Technology?
Not at all, I actually started as an electrician. After taking my Cisco exams at college, I moved into data communications with Conex about 30 years ago. Since then, the last three decades have flown by and it is a career change I have never regretted.
Tell us about the business and your team?
My brother Steve and I both worked long 9-12 hour shifts at Conex and realised we should put such effort into our own company and make a go of it on our own.
We’d even been told in our annual appraisals that we’d never leave the installations team and achieve our objective of working in the office. Needless to say this fuelled our desire to work for ourselves.
Initially we were just two lads in Sunderland with a van handling cabling but we quickly gained a footing with IP CCTV cameras before moving more into IP based systems. This gave us the springboard to fully enter the IT sector handling cyber security, hosted voice systems and dealing in internet connectivity.
We adapted a consultative approach which proved to be very powerful and has led historically to a high client retention rate.
One of the early highlights was dealing with USA bases across Europe which initially came via an enquiry from our website.
Steve retired in January and I took over as Managing Director with a fantastic 70 strong team of staff.
What are your short, medium and long term plans for the business?
For short we have had a period of consolidation since Steve’s departure. Medium term we are looking at continued growth with a longer term goal to attain a £20 million turnover. After 23 years I love the industry more than ever and am looking forward to the future with great optimism.
What tips would you give someone starting a career in the IT industry?
Retain an endless thirst for knowledge and display perseverance, tenacity and a willing attitude.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Surround yourself with good people and don’t be afraid to employ someone better than you.
Who are your Heroes and Mentors?
I really admire the RAF flying ace Douglas Bader who achieved amazing success despite amputation of both his legs after a 1931 air crash, proof you can do anything if you want it enough.
What are you currently working on?
We currently have a number of exciting projects. These include working with two clients in the MOD space and gaining security clearance to handle sensitive MOD documents.
We are also bidding for a multi-million-pound project at the old ITV studios in London, while working on one of the UK’s largest battery plants and the world’s largest monopile factory of its kind.
We are also actively involved in the Government’s Connect the Classroom programme, which funds highspeed connectivity upgrades for schools.
What sets you apart from your competitors?
We are the North East’s only single-source technology integrator, offering a broad spectrum of solutions and a customer-first, consultative approach.
What item of technology would you be lost without?
Lately, I’d say our AI platforms. The insights and efficiencies they give us are game changing – whether it’s analytics in the industrial space or smarter ways of working. Without them, we’d really struggle to keep pace with the direction the industry is moving.
How do you like to unwind?
I love to read and I’m an old gamer, so a couple of hours on the X box is a good release at the weekend.
My wife and I also love to travel and spend time in our motorhome in the Lakes and up in beautiful Bamburgh.
www.advantex.uk.com