IT's on the Up at Listers
Posted on 21/09/2012
Lister Trade Frames of Stoke on Trent always seem to be at the sharp end of product and service innovation. But there is a huge amount that goes on behind the scenes that many people often aren't aware of. As part of their continual improvements Listers have recently employed a fully qualified and experienced IT Manager to direct and develop their IT and Communications Systems.
Charith Silva, had previously trained as a systems and software developer gaining an MBA from Staffordshire University.
Darren Pusey, Operations Director for Listers said, "We've been utilising programmes built in-house over many years. In some cases we've applied technical band-aids to get by, but we wanted to completely revamp and advance out technology to meet and exceed the extra demands being placed on us thanks to increased sales."
And so the hunt for an experienced IT Manager began and after interviewing many candidates the decision to employ Charith was a unanimous one. "Charith stood out from the crowd." commented Darren. "He was young, ambitious and extremely knowledgeable in some of the systems that we already had in place, and was eager to show us how to improve them”
“I’d received other offers but it was a simple decision to come and join Listers,” said Charith, “Listers presented me with the opportunity to expand my horizons and use my skill set. I’d heard a lot about Listers in Stoke on Trent and was well aware of how they’re viewed as a forward looking company.”
Charith was immediately dropped in at the deep end and he went through the company with a fine tooth comb upgrading all of the technology to the latest versions. At the same time Charith has used his skills to streamline procedures and produced better efficiencies across the business.
Darren says that Listers investment in Charith has already shown a good return in providing better IT systems for their users and an improved service to their customers. “The great thing is that now we have a much better IT platform to move ahead with and an in-house professional to keep on pushing us forward.”
“I’ve enjoyed every second of my time here so far. From the Directors down I’ve received tremendous support and it’s been refreshing to work for a company that isn’t afraid to change,” said Charith. “Normally, legacy systems are hard to get rid of as the company is frightened to adopt new policies. Fortunately this is not a culture I’m encountering at Listers.”
Listers have always been keen to look at ways to improve what they do and how they do it and despite the recession they are still investing and preparing for the future.
