Ian Elcoat - Managing Director, Elisian Software
Did you always envisage a career in the world of Technology?
During my younger days, I was very interested in being a lawyer and was sure that was going to be career for me, however, when my parents bought my first computer my interest in technology began, particularly for programming. Once I got through school, where computer science wasn’t the subject it is now, I went to university to do an IT degree and it was during this time that I began to learn about the internet and software development, back then however no one expected it to become what it is today.
After graduation from university, I joined a semi-conductor manufacturer and took the opportunity to learn more about the hardware that drives technology and the extent to which creating microchips is undertaken in such a clean environment, even cleaner that an operating theatre!
My whole career has been around building software solutions and realising the value of those solutions as products that can be implemented across several industry sectors that I have worked in.
What tips would you give to someone looking to work in the industry?
The IT industry has grown significantly over the years and has many opportunities for those wanting to work with technology, so my advice would be to continue to learn and evolve your skills in line with the technology trends. Just look at how AI is at the fore of what all technology companies are either implementing or considering.
Tell us about the most exciting project you’re currently working on.
Elisian is a software product company that supports assurance and compliance across multiple processes related to health and safety, governance and legislation, with prominence in the energy sector where we have been working for over 17 years in a highly regulated environment. As such, we continually evolve our product offering and at present have a project in offshore wind and chemical processing related to “permit to work”, the purpose of which is to ensure that before work commences, the scope of the work has been defined and assessed from a risk perspective to ensure that the work is carried out safely and efficiently.
Tell us about your team.
At Elisian we have a team of software developers, quality assurance and business development, all of whom over the years have become specialised in the sectors in which our products are implemented. Given the nature of our product and its focus, the team have developed longstanding relationships with our client base and the supply chains that we partner with, both of which highlight the importance of relationship building and supporting our reputation as a trusted provider with focus on quality and reliable products.
What are your long-term plans for the business?
As the energy sector transitions into renewables, we very much see the Elisian products evolving to support this transition across to wind and solar. Businesses are built on reputations, and this is something which we are continuing to leverage as we look to global markets and partnerships to help us realise those plans.
What’s your favourite piece of technology?
I’m sure I’m not alone here in saying the iPhone, as technology and social media have grown, it is the one device that is always by my side from paying for things to checking emails.
Do you have any heroes or mentors?
I wouldn’t say I have a specific person I look up to, more so that I have admiration for those who show commitment and dedication to their passion, be it in life or business.
What’s your fondest career memory?
The fondest moment of my career, is probably when I first started and I was enthusiastic to learn more about microchips and was keen to tell my dad what my job was. This led to an opportunity to take him around the “clean room” of the plant where the microchips were manufactured. He absolutely loved the experience and I was really pleased to have shared it with him and something which I look back on as a thank you for helping me with programming and supporting my impatience when things didn’t quite go to plan.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
Don’t give up. I very much believe that if you want to achieve something and have the right attitude to trying, failing and then succeeding you will get there.
When not working, how do you like to relax?
Besides spending time with the family and walking the dog, I’m fortunate to play golf which works well socially for both work and pleasure and is one of those sports that you can play either as a team or individually which is a great way of powering down and relaxing.
www.elisian.co.uk