How did you get into IT?
My career in IT began at MB Aerospace in Newton Abbot. I started as an engineering apprentice in 2015, focused on developing my hand skills. I quickly realised I wasn’t a big fan of getting my hands overly dirty or burnt, so I spoke with the apprenticeship team. They suggested a new Data Science Level 4 apprenticeship within the IT department.
Alongside that, I supported the IT service desk and helped develop and revamp the factory network. I had always had a strong interest in IT at school, particularly in understanding how systems were protected and secured, which led to my first role as a Data Science apprentice.
During the apprenticeship, I attended Exeter College one day a week and developed my skills using RStudio. I also worked on improving operational efficiency within the factory, which is very similar to what I do today at Tomlinson Solutions by making sure everything runs as efficiently as possible and staying on top of compliance and governance.
Looking back, my apprenticeship is very similar to my role now as Managing Director. It was a foot in the door, unintentionally, and I’ve almost never looked back.
What was it like starting out as an apprentice?
I’ve always had a strong affiliation with the vocational pathway and learning on the job as it’s the best way I learn. I didn’t realise I had academic potential until year 11, and even then, university didn’t appeal to me. Being spoken at rather than collaborating really put me off, so an apprenticeship felt like the obvious route.
Starting out was overwhelming. I was 15, coming straight out of school with barely a break, stepping into full-time work with 7am starts and 4pm finishes, while learning responsibility, deadlines, and how to manage my time.
I really enjoyed the learning side of my apprenticeship. I worked on a lot of self-led projects, which gave me project management and accountability skills that I’ve carried into leading Tomlinson Solutions today.
Key moments that shaped your career
The biggest turning point for me was moving to South Korea at 19. Living there for a year on my own really opened my eyes to different cultures, people, and markets.
I worked as a boarding assistant and supported computer science teaching, as well as post-16 maths, which I had largely self-taught. It gave me a completely different perspective on the world.
Travelling through places like Thailand and Vietnam also had a huge impact. It made me realise I thrive outside of my comfort zone, and that’s carried through into how I work today by building relationships, developing partnerships, and working on the business rather than being stuck in it.
That decision to move abroad was the key moment that shaped my career.
What makes a great IT partner?
A great IT partner should feel like an extension of your team, not an external burden. It’s about accountability, ownership, and trust.
A common problem is businesses having multiple providers, one for broadband, one for phones, one for IT, and one for cyber. What we focus on is being a single, trusted partner you can call for anything, providing both answers and resolution.
That’s what truly defines a great IT partner.
Why is IT support so important now?
IT support is no longer optional. With the rise of AI and cyber threats, businesses need to be secure, resilient, and prepared.
It’s no longer about “keeping the lights on”, it’s about making sure the lights are still on in 10 years’ time. Technology now drives growth, not just support.
A lot of businesses get this wrong by going cheap, which often leads to a reactive service. True proactivity requires investment, in people, systems, and relationships.
What drives you?
I’m very family oriented. My number one goal has always been to buy my mum a house as that’s my definition of success.
Beyond that, it’s seeing the team grow and develop. Watching people progress, take ownership, and improve every day is what really drives me.
We work in a fast-moving industry, so staying close to the curve, especially with cybersecurity and AI, is key. It’s about translating that technical complexity into something meaningful for our clients.
Final advice
One thing that’s stuck with me since school is: you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
That applies to everything: networking, client relationships, and delivery. Whether it’s your first meeting or your onboarding process, those early impressions define trust.