Andy Walton - CEO, Nine Software Company
Did you always envisage a career in technology?
I always wanted to be involved in technology from a young age. I remember getting a Sinclair Spectrum for Christmas in 1980 and watching my dad carefully type lines of code from a book for hours. When he finally ran the program, what he had created appeared on the TV screen as if by magic.
As I got older and saw the dot-com boom unfold, I knew I wanted to be part of the software industry.
What tips would you give to someone looking to work in the industry?
For anyone thinking about getting into the industry today, I’d say: do it. We’re seeing some reluctance among young people to consider software as a career because they worry that AI will take those jobs in the future. The reality is that AI is here to stay, and it should be embraced rather than feared. Industries always evolve. AI can benefit both the software sector and individual careers, but it should be used alongside strong core skills, not instead of them.
Tell us about the project you’re currently working on.
As with many of the things Nine works on, our projects are commercially sensitive and covered by non-disclosure agreements, so I can’t say too much. What I can say is that we’re helping to make major improvements in the maritime industry through digitisation, supporting efforts to protect both people and the environment. We’re also doing interesting work with AI and predictive analytics in UK policing and healthcare, where the impact on the public can be significant.
Tell us about your team.
The team at Nine is an amazing group of people: highly technical, hugely personable and very professional in everything they do. We have a mix of ages, genders, nationalities and skills across architecture, business analysis, programme management, software and mobile development, DevOps, testing and support. The Nine team is incredible at what it does and has built a fantastic reputation nationally and internationally.
What are your long-term plans for the business?
We’ve grown Nine Software significantly since 2011, and our plan is to keep building an even bigger and better business while continuing to create opportunities here in the North East.
What’s your favourite piece of technology?
There are too many to choose just one, but I do love AI technologies. Used in the right way, by people who really understand their profession, AI can be a game-changer.
Do you have any heroes or mentors?
My heroes aren’t the big names who have made millions or the people who always get the public shout-out. They are the parents, friends and colleagues who show up every day and put everything into making their lives, and their families’ lives, better. People like my mum and dad and my mother and father-in-law who worked incredibly hard every day to build a good life, guide and support the people they love..
What’s your fondest career memory?
There have been so many, but the moments that stand out are the ones where you see the team’s work make a real difference. Building Nine from the ground up, watching talented people grow in their careers, and seeing our software used in sectors that matter has been incredibly rewarding.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
Work hard and put your all into everything you do.
That has stuck with me in life and in business. I work hard, try to be kind and empathetic with people, and don’t sweat the small stuff.
When you’re not working, how do you like to relax?
I love going to gigs and listening to music, taking walks at the coast with my wife, children and dog, and getting out mountain biking or snowboarding. If I hadn’t founded a technology company, I would have loved to be a professional snowboarder or mountain biker.
ninesoftware.co.uk