Introducing Vermont’s Team – Dedicated To Helping Growing
Businesses Solve Their Technology Problems - Forever
Chris Ward - Managing (and Technical) Director
The world of IT has changed a lot since Chris got his first computer in 1982! (A ZX Spectrum if you are interested). After gaining a first class degree in Computer Science from Manchester University, he then went on to gain extensive experience at IBM and spent many years working with banks and charities.
Chris has a real passion, not only technology, investing in the growth and development of his staff, but also excellence in proactive, customer service, helping and educating local businesses to get the most out of technology and how to protect themselves against the growing threats from cyber crime. He provides direct support to our clients, helping them to make strategic decisions about their business systems and consulting at Board Level.
Over recent years this has led him to become a cyber security expert, featuring recently as a guest on BBC Radio and being invited by other industry leaders to present at prestigious events, advising leading businesses on how to protect their companies, training their staff to be vigilant and also working in the community to raise awareness on cyber crime.
Sam Wildridge - Technology Success Manager
Since joining Vermont in 2012 as the Service Desk Manager, Sam is now a pivotal member of the team, working as the Technology Success Manager for Vermont.
Sam's role is one of the most important components of our Service Delivery Team; he dramatically impacts the day of the people we serve by creating a hassle free and secure technology experience. He works closely with Chris recommending technology changes for clients where he has identified risk in their system. He is extremely process driven and is always looking to continuously improve efficiency for ourselves and for clients.
Client satisfaction is on top of his priorities, and he prides himself in following up with our clients so that they understand that they are important. He evangelises the Vermont Standards to both clients and team members. Another of his tasks is to identify, and create, service requests that are a result of the client's system being out of alignment with Vermont's Standard and then create a rock-solid resolution plan. Working with documentation and the Vermont Centralised Services team, he breaths efficiency and Standards!
Don’t upset Sam – in his leisure time, Sam is a wrestler!
John Hedges – Business Development Manager
Prior to joining Vermont, John was actually a client and ran a successful management training company. He was so impressed with the Vermont philosophy of excellence in customer service and always ‘going the extra mile’ that he decided to join the team!
Due to the unique ‘customer-centric’ perspective of the Vermont culture, John is the first point of contact for new business enquiries, making sure that we fully understand your business, plans and strategy as well as personal aspirations, in order to provide a bespoke solution for your business not just in the short term but to plan for the future.
John fully understands and appreciates that a solid technology platform will help businesses and their owners achieve their goals - but if not managed exceptionally well, can cause serious and lasting issues.
John’s role is to help both you and Vermont define the value that technology will bring to your business…whether that is in ensuring your ‘business critical’ systems stay up and running or introducing processes that will deliver added efficiency, security and effectiveness.
In his ‘spare’ time?! John can usually be found watching the Saints, walking the dog or helping his children move…..and, on a good day, all 3!
Dave Overton - Finance Manager
Dave joined Vermont in 2008, after graduating from Southampton Solent University where he met his lovely wife and of course couldn't go 'back up country' - very fortunate for Vermont 🙂
Dave has seen a lot of changes and been instrumental with the implementation of many, due to technological advances, operating procedures, processing and budgeting.
We won't hold it against Dave that he supports Man U! He walks 4 miles to AND from work everyday so keeps very fit and has a not very secret supply of biscuits so is great to know - especially as he pays the bills and wages.
