Team Talk with Howard Dawson

As we continue our monthly Team Talk chats, we speak to Head of IT Howard Dawson.

Howard joined us as IT manager 15 years ago and was promoted to his current position three years ago. He leads a team of seven which is instrumental in helping to keep the business going.

Tell us about your job and what it involves.

The IT department covers all aspects of IT across the whole business, from hardware to software. We manage the infrastructure for all networks, PCs and any equipment on the shop floor.

We also manage and enhance business systems through our own additional development work, as well as fixing bugs, managing cyber security, improving reporting, supporting staff with training and advice and looking at new software to help the business.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The variety of work is very good and we’ve always got fresh challenges. Working with my team is also one of the best parts of my job and that extends to the people at Willerby in general. It’s a really good, friendly place to work.

What does being part of the Willerby team mean to you?

I’m proud to work for Willerby. It’s a company where everyone is trying to work together and we feel appreciated in our team because we solve problems and provide solutions. It’s good to be part of such a large business which is constantly evolving with new initiatives and looking towards the future while looking after its employees.

If you didn’t work for Willerby and you could do any job in the world, what would it be?

I’d be a pilot because of the opportunity to travel and visit new places. Flying seems quite glamourous. My daughter has a tennis scholarship and lives in South Carolina in America, so my wife and I like to visit her.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

It has to be listening to eighties pop music. I’m a big fan of that decade and I mainly listen to The Smiths, Elvis Costello, the Housemartins and Simple Minds.