Ashley Preston

Summary

Experience

• AWP Computer Services

  Director

  1 - 5 Employees 2013 - Current

  

  AWP Computer Services offer a wide range of IT (Information Technology) Support services for both small businesses and residential users in Preston, South Ribble and the surrounding areas. AWP Computer Services offer both computer hardware and software support across both Windows and Android devices. AWP Computer Services can give up-to-date expert advice on a consultancy basis. This includes general technology advice, Data Management, Disaster Recovery, Office Applications and the Cloud. AWP Computer Services has recently joined the Google Apps for Business reseller programme and is looking forward to being an official Google Partner in the near future.

• Exact Abacus Ltd

  Web Consultant

  21 - 100 Employees 2004 - 2012

  I worked as an integral part of the well established Exact Abacus' digital team, presenting digital solutions to clients, pro-actively managing the strategic direction of clients' digital campaigns and liaising with clients on a day to day basis for ongoing non-project work. Exact Abacus is a 25 year old, privately-owned, family-run business that is based near Preston. They started life providing IT based solutions to the embryonic UK mail order industry and now specialise in Back Office software and eCommerce. The client base covered the whole of the UK, and as an important part of the role I visited clients on a regular basis, as part of the project development and relationship building process. During my time with Exact Abacus, I enjoyed working with and presenting to clients a wide range of customers. The company's work involved developing, implementing, hosting and supporting Mail Order and e-Commerce Business Management systems for a large number of well known UK retailers and many online retail start-up companies. In my role, I was involved in sales meetings, technical meetings and training sessions (as the trainer) with people at many different levels within our customer's organisations. This extended up to Director level in a number of well known UK retail businesses such as Green Baby, Snow + Rock, Stanfords and Suttons Consumer Products. Whilst I have mainly worked very much in a managerial and consultancy role, I have never removed myself from the hands on application of IT solutions and have always worked very closely with software developers, hardware technicians and systems implementers. I therefore feel I have the necessary skills to help my customers to identify both problems and opportunities, which I can then deal with in a practical 'hands-on' fashion.

• Runshaw College

  Part-time Lecturer

  100+ Employees 2000 - 2005

  Tutored and Lectured primarily in the Adult Education Faculty on subjects within the scope of Computing and Information Technology. Delivered courses for students up to HND level ranging from basic computer operation, office applications (word processing and spreadsheets etc.) and web design. My main area of expertise was within the specialities of the Internet, Web Design and Development. I was also requested to offer support to the school for the 16-19 year old students (BTEC, A-Level, etc.) and covered classes when their normal tutors were unavailable.

• Progress 7 Limited

  Managing Director (Web Developer)

  1 - 5 Employees 2000 - 2002

  Cofounder and Director of Progress 7 Limited. Managed the business and worked with a small group of fellow directors (web developers) servicing primarily SMEs in the North West of England. Employing the latest web technologies and standards, helped create professional web sites and web based applications. Designed both web page layouts, along with overall web site functionality using HTML and other client technologies such as Cascading Style Sheets and JavaScript. Designed web sites using industry recognised technologies and used server-side scripts to dynamically control data integration.

• The Netlon Group Limited

  Project Facilitator (Equinox Team)

  100+ Employees 1998 - 2000

  As part of a small team seconded to implement new Enterprise Resource Planning software (Tetra CS/3) and promote a congruent Business Process Re-engineering strategy, provided a vital link between the project team and the key functions of the business. In particular working in close conjunction with the IT department and the senior management/directors of the business. Supported the IT department with PC & hardware deployment, networking and Tetra CS/3 software installation. Began initial exposure to web technologies developing intranet based training modules, using HTML, for the ERP system.

• The Netlon Group Limited

  Design/Project Engineer

  100+ Employees 1991 - 1998

  Working in a small team, or alone, supported the Engineering Design and Service requirements of both the company’s three sites in the UK and overseas Licencees, manufacturing patented Netlon products. Also, managed the Local Area Network and the Computer Aided Design facilities employed by the team. Designed and Controlled the document management database for the Groups Engineering function.

• Netlon Limited

  Apprentice Engineering Technician

  21 - 100 Employees 1997 - 1990

  Following an initial one year "off the job" training period, after school, I was introduced into the business and undertook the completion of an intensive 4 year apprenticeship programme. The programme was designed to develop the required technical and communication skills, which would enable me to work effectively within many parts of the business.

Clubs and Associations

Interests and Hobbies

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