I bring knowledge of IT and HR together in a way that ensures that our clients receive a very positive experience. "The Bench" has been a dream of ours for over 12 years and it is now very much a reality.

We have pulled together a group of young, talented, and complimentary people who form the core of our operations.

I get excited by where we are headed and what is possible. My job is to create the vision, source strategic alliances, make deals, and most importantly, motivate the team.

At "the Bench" we are looking for quality and performance, we have created world class platforms and seek world class intellectual property to host.

For me personally, golf, building things, sailing, and gardening ease the mind and the body.

I am responsible for all sales and marketing activities in EMEA. In this role our current priority is building on the network of excellent associates and resellers we already have across Europe and supporting them in winning more business. In the longer term it will mean targeting the bigger companies in EMEA directly in order to introduce the HRworkbench portfolio.

Prior to the bench, and following 10 years in the IT sector, I founded and built two international HR Consultancies. My interest is in working in organisations to help them deploy our services to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of their people and take away the bureaucracy and admin that stops people achieving their potential.

For relaxation I have a hectic family life to share with Sarah and our three children (Alex, Ben and Eloise) and when I can get away sailing and visiting our house in France.

Being Director of Product Development at "the Bench" suits my talents and 15+ years of HR experience very well.

I enjoy taking a 'pen and paper' assessment and making it 'come to life' on the web. I love the challenge of converting classroom style workshops into Effective Online Learning. My 'bossy' side relishes taking charge of the team to deliver projects to Alan's, sometimes, ambitious timetables. I delight in working with, growing and challenging a young and enthusiastic team of talented programmers, graphic designers and support staff.

"The Bench" has also introduced me to some wonderful characters in other parts of the globe. People who share with us the same passion for customer service and commitment to providing quality products... Oh, and most of them with a wicked sense of humour which makes working to deadlines and discussing 'possibilities' a delight. I am proud to think that our platforms and experience in HR enable us to take our IP Partners' products to the global HR marketplace.

When I'm not at "the Bench" I enjoy reading, movies, dinner parties and line-dancing.

My role in HRworkbench is to help grow the business in the EMEA region alongside Scott and Jackie. This is the third business that I have been involved in growing and I am looking forward to the challenge, as well as to having a great deal of fun.

Prior to joining "the bench" I spent a number of years in Operational Management before moving into the world of Human Resource Development within Organisations. I subsequently moved into Consulting and have been working with a wide variety of organisations across the globe for the last 8 years.

Away from the business you’ll find me either in the Gym or on the water sailing!

Prior to "the Bench" I have had a variety of jobs, including Pizza delivery, door-to-door sales, roadwork labourer, and various software development roles - however I have not enjoyed any job as much as working at "the Bench".

My role at "the Bench" may entail many things; on any given day I might be administering the web sites or the databases, developing new products or researching improvements to the current systems.

Outside of "the Bench" my interests include computing in general, our Australian Shepherds (breeders of), martial arts and guitar.

Working alongside Scott Chambers in Europe I am responsible for the sourcing and development of profitable strategic partnership relationships.

I am also working on a European marketing strategy, which ultimately aims to put the HRworkbench® brand firmly on the map.

With a background in sales, marketing, training, business coaching, and consultancy across a variety of industry sectors, I am able to bring the invaluable experience of the customer’s perspective. This, I believe, is a vital element when planning an effective strategic route forward that serves these customers well. I enjoy facilitating success for others and being in a position now to offer some practical, cutting edge tools and services that ultimately offer our partners opportunities to develop and grow their business is good news. That is one of the main reasons I joined “the bench” – I saw that potential, and I do like the people I work with.

What I do for relaxation ISN'T relaxation at all, but I do enjoy it – I show-jump competitively, mainly on the county show circuit here in the UK, with my horse “She’s Magic”.

I also keep fit with a few sessions at the gym and some walking. Time with my partner, family and good friends is also important to me.

After finishing my HSC in 1998, I moved to Newcastle and started a degree in Early Childhood. However, after six months, I decided that I would prefer to pursue my real passion – writing. I spent the rest of that year working in a café and, in 2000, started back at University enrolled in B Arts (Communications Studies).

I started work experience at "the Bench" a week after finishing my degree and was hired full time at the end of December 2002. I felt incredibly privileged to have found work so quickly after finishing my degree (especially work in Newcastle – yes, my deepest, darkest secret is that I love the place), and feel even more privileged now that I realise that I didn’t just find a job, I found a job that I love! My work here combines perfectly my two orginal areas of interest, Education and Communication - not many people are that lucky.

My role here involves anything to do with words. I script, edit, and upload scripts for Online Campus, contribute to our marketing and press pieces, and provide Online Campus support to our users.

Outside of "the Bench", I enjoy music (singing and the flute), reading and writing, and spending as much time as I can at the beach.

After studying ALevels and a HND in Media Production, I have built up over eight years experience in Customer Facing and support roles. These include Helpdesk, Sales administration, and Recruitment, which have all proved invaluable with regards to developing my organisational and administrative skills.

I believe very strongly that any company stands or falls on its Customer Service, as well as a genuine confidence in its products – which is why I was so impressed by HRworkbench. The attractive team atmosphere and infectious enthusiasm have absolutely convinced me that I can bring my skills and ideas to the new UK office, and that this will result in positive development for both the EMEA team and for me!

I really enjoy my work and I’m happiest when providing good support and service. Outside of “the bench” though, I love reading, watching movies (I regularly win pub quizzes with my obscure knowledge!) and photography.

Upon completing my HSC I went straight into adulthood and University – or so I thought. In hindsight, growing up was a big part of my time at University. I studied a B. Information Science where I soon discovered that I’m what’s generally termed as a “Computer Nerd” (or various cultural deviations of).

Prior to the “the Bench” I also spent five years shelf packing and the likes in supermarkets. Probably the main thing I learnt from that is: work hard and get a more fulfilling job. So, I jumped at the opportunity to work for "the Bench". It took no time at all before I felt
really at home and I haven't looked back. I never imagined working in an environment with so many intelligent, capable individuals. In all honesty, I can't see a weak link; each member has been carefully chosen and suits their position perfectly.

My role primarily involves Software Development - taking Christine's little babies and getting them on the web for all to see. I also maintain current postings.

A huge strength within "the Bench" is each member’s problem solving skills. It becomes a real team effort and more often than not the problem doesn't stand a chance. This really aids in providing each employee with a sense of belonging and importance.

In my spare time I play guitar in two bands, go to the gym, play sport and socialise. I can't stand watching TV or anything equally as mind-numbing so I’m always doing something, and I guess that’s the way I like it.

I joined “the Bench” following nine years in the Real Estate Industry where I worked in positions covering areas such as Sales, Marketing, Administration, Customer Service and Management.

With extensive and invaluable Self-Development and Sales Training behind me, coupled with my “disciplined” (some might say “excessive compulsive”!!) nature I am committed to providing efficient and Quality Customer Service in my role here as Client Support Officer.

I believe that successful people are not born but are a product of hard work, product knowledge, and continual self-development and training which is what I credit my many successes to and what I believe HRworkbench is all about.

Outside “the Bench” I enjoy reading, photography, water-skiing, snowboarding and just taking time out to relax and spend time with family and friends…whatever that may be!