Steve Duchar - Head of ICT at Nexus.
Did you always envisage a career in the world of Technology?
I suppose after the usual brief childhood aspirations of being an astronaut the answer would be yes. I had to decide whether to be a developer or work in infrastructure and decided on the latter as I felt it would give more tangible rewards and be more exciting.
I started on the IT service desk at the Co-op working on the Milk and Distribution side of the business. We had 60-80 sites and within months I was promoted and it was a brilliant learning curve.
I moved into the automotive industry in a manufacturing company, then onto Group IT Manager with Springfield Motor Group followed senior roles in Retail, eCommerce then onto Head of IT at Newcastle International Airport. I joined Nexus five years ago and feel blessed to have worked for two regional mass transit organisations. Planes, trains, automobiles, busses, and a ferry….I’ve experienced everything in transport other than hovercraft!
What tips would you give to someone wanting to work in the tech sector?
Firstly ensure you get some experience in the real world before gaining an entry level position. It is also important to be driven and well read and with ambition to move forward.
What are you currently working on?
We have a significant renewals projects pipeline of replacing legacy systems. Scada is an £8.8 million pound renewal project. I’m the owner and maintainer, the system controls the overhead line, associated power, lifts, fire alarms and escalators. The project has ran for over two years and coming towards a great conclusion. It helps our control centre proactively and reactively manage faults and status on these assets which are essential for Metro to run. I implemented public Wi-Fi in Central Station over December which has been highly successful, and we are aiming to further deploy in underground locations over the next eight months, which improves safety, security and customer information for all our passengers.
Tell us about your team?
We have 75 people in the team with four directly reporting to me. We have 60 sites plus depots and office locations, so it is a large and broad operation. We work across both traditional and operational IT which includes technologies such as Scada, Digital Train Radio and CCTV. We are also responsible for all ticket machines, gatelines and a significant portfolio of business systems. We also have an industrial print and distribution unit which handles timetables and marketing materials.
What is your favourite piece of Tech?
Definitely the IPad Pro which is simple and easy to use.
Who are your Heroes and Mentors?
I have always admired Alan Sugar who worked tremendously hard and had the vision to think big with product creation.
I’ve also worked with some very impressive Directors and business leaders who I have tried to learn from as I have gone along. Ultimately I try to be the best version of myself and set high standards for myself and teams.
What is your fondest career memory?
I loved my time at the Airport where there was always a great buzz of moving people daily as they set off on holiday.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Always take a positive from a negative, continue to learn and evolve.
What does the future hold?
Thanks to the North East Mayor Kim McGuinness we have managed to gain investment which will help Nexus and all our customers moving forward. The Metro extension to Washington is tremendously exciting and part of a huge project pipeline for the next five to 10 years. We are also introducing new signalling over the next five years as well as seeking to improve the customer experience. Every day presents a new challenge and for that I’m very grateful.
How do you like to relax?
I still enjoy active sports like boxing and going to the gym. I am also a huge music fan, across all genres, although I’m particularly partial to some Iron Maiden and AC/DC.
www.nexus.org.uk