Staff Spotlight: Chris Francis – Data Cabling Manager

Meet Chris our Data Cabling Manager, he will be bringing his years of experience to help run the data side of Avita. Read below to find out more about Chris and how he got into the industry.

How long have you been at Avita Group? 

 4 Weeks

Tell us about specific duties in your current role.

I am going to be responsible for the Data side of Avita so everything from quoting jobs and providing RAMs to Installing cables and hopefully making sure the Data jobs run smooth.

Who inspires you?

My Dad

What’s the most exciting part about your job?

Learning new skills, working on different jobs at different sites weekly

What’s something that you are proud of?

Running the London Marathon in 2022

How do you spend your weekends?

Either watching football or relaxing with friends and family if I’m not working overtime

What do you want your career to look like in the future?

I want to be successful, happy and content with my job

How would your mates describe you?

Probably loud, funny and caring

What’s been the best part about working for Avita Group so far?

Learning new skills

How did you get started in the industry?

I was made redundant at 21 and a job opportunity was put forward to me by a friend and it went from there, 10 years later I’m still in the same industry

Staff Spotlight: Andy Duckman – Business Development Manager

You may recognise the last name. Andy is Gary’s brother and now on board at Avita Group helping to improve the company!

Andy started his new role at Avita Group in March 2023.

Hi Andy! Tell us about specific duties in your current role?

Primary focus is to grow the business and extend the reach of our products and services that we offer in order to increase revenue, continue to build and maintain client and supplier relationships with attention to detail on client services.

Who inspires you?

Many people inspire me for various different reasons; however, I would say people that make a success of themselves through hard work.

Watching both my boys play football, squeezing in as much Golf as my wife allows! Takeaway Fridays with a few beers & fine dining with my wife of a Saturday.

What is the most exciting part of your job? 

That every day is different and the element of surprise of “not knowing” what today will bring!

What’s something you’re proud of?

I am incredibly proud of my family, I have a wife of 21 years, (I know I don’t look old enough!!) and 3 wonderful children!

How do you spend your weekends? 

Watching both my boys play football, squeezing in as much Golf as my wife allows! Takeaway Fridays with a few beers & fine dining with my wife of a Saturday.

What do you want your career to look like in the next few years? 

I want the business to continue to grow and be the preferred one stop supplier for multitech services within London & the southeast…. oh, and also to be MD in 5 years!

How would your mates describe you? 

Competitive, Hardworking, and never a dull moment!

What’s been the best part about working for Avita Group so far? 

The variety in the role and the people I work with is a breath of fresh air!

Staff Spotlight: Harry Burbidge – Electrical Apprentice

Avita Group, it’s really important we showcase our talented team, especially our apprentices, who we support through the Government’s Apprentice Scheme.

Harry started his Electrical Apprenticeship in September 2022 through the Government Scheme!

Hi Harry! Tell us about specific duties in your current role?

My day varies, but I’m here to assist the Electricians and learn as much as I can about the work we do to support my apprenticeship.

Who inspires you?

My Dad, who is one of the Directors, so I’ve got to say that! 

I’ve managed to first and second fix sockets and lights in a short space of time.

What is the most exciting part of your job? 

I enjoy seeing the end result from a completed job, and seeing the customer happy.

What’s something you’re proud of?

I’ve managed to first and second fix sockets and lights in a short space of time.

How do you spend your weekends? 

I play football Saturday and Sunday and when I’m not on the pitch, I’m gaming or seeing mates.

What do you want your career to look like in the next few years? 

I would like to complete my apprenticeship and become a fully qualified Electrician.

How would your mates describe you? 

The funny, good looking one (I asked my best mate for the answer!)

What’s been the best part about working for Avita Group so far? 

When someone else buys the lunches, the banter and the café breakfasts!

Staff Spotlight: Rob Maycock – IT Apprentice

At Avita Group, it’s really important we showcase our talented team, especially our apprentices, who we support through the Government’s Apprentice Scheme.

Our apprentices are supported through the Government’s Apprentice Scheme!

We asked Rob Maycock, our IT Apprentice, a few questions on how he’s finding the role, what he’s most proud of and what’s in the future!

Hi Rob! Tell us about specific duties in your current role?

My duties are to provide support on the helpdesk whether that be answering phone calls or dealing with tickets. Sometimes, I have to go on-site to help resolve technical issues in person.

Something that I am proud of is my resilience. I never give up on anything and will always persevere.

Who inspires you?

The people who inspire me are my friends, as they push me to be a better person daily!

What is the most exciting part of your job?

The most exciting part of my job is going out to the site to fix issues in person, as you get to meet the customers and every issue is always something different.

What is something you’re proud of?

Something that I am proud of is my resilience. I never give up on anything and will always persevere.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee.

What show are you currently binge-watching?

Norsemen.

What’s a skill you would like to improve?

I’d like to get better at playing guitar, as I am shockingly bad!

What do you want your career to look like in the next few years?

In the next few years, I hope to pass my apprenticeship and progress further in the industry.

How do you spend your weekends?

If I’m not going to see friends, I’m usually at home relaxing and playing games.

How would your mates describe you?

Quiet, clumsy, funny!

What’s been the best part about working for Avita Group so far?

The best thing about working for Avita has got to be the people I work with, as they are all amazing characters and extremely welcoming!

Staff Spotlight: Jack Coulston – IT Apprentice

At Avita Group, it’s really important we showcase our talented team, especially our apprentices, who we support through the Government’s Apprentice Scheme.

Jack started his IT Apprenticeship 7 months ago through the Government Scheme!

Hi Jack! Tell us about specific duties in your current role?

During the working day, I spend my time on the support desk looking after clients, whether that be answering the phones or replying to tickets. I help our clients with any issues they may be facing both within the workshop or remotely. I occasionally help with other departments too, being with the logistics team and AV, if requested by my colleagues.

Recently, I have been on-site at IQUW, where 3 of my colleagues and I had to set up 235 users’ desks. It was a very good experience for meeting clients face-to-face! 

Who inspires you?

My brother really inspires me, as he has had a successful career. I have followed his footsteps into business and IT. He has always supported me throughout school and with the transfer to work life and really pushes me to reach my maximum potential.  

Avita really feels like one big family. All my colleagues have been very helpful throughout my apprenticeship, as they always provide me with any support I may need. Being able to speak to any level of the company has provided me with so much more knowledge, as I have been able to hear from their own work experience journeys, which has benefited me hugely. 

What is the most exciting part of your job? 

The most exciting part of my job is speaking to new people daily from different cultures and backgrounds. I also really thrive meeting clients face-to-face. The confidence and experience I gain are priceless.

What’s something you’re proud of?

I am proud of My A-level results, as I achieved 2 Distinctions in IT and a Distinction in Business!

Coffee or tea? 

Tea.

What show are you currently binge-watching? 

Currently, I have been watching a lot of the World cup. However, a TV show would be Peaky Blinders. I have watched it numerous times, as it’s my favorite show!

What’s a skill you’d like to improve? 

I would like to improve my conflict resolution skills. If there was a scenario of a client calling where they are unhappy or angry, I would like to gather the skills to be able to confidently take control of the situation and calm the user down by reassuring them with a solution to whichever problem it is that they are facing.

In my personal life, I would love to learn to play the drums!

How do you spend your weekends? 

I spend my weekends playing 7-a-side football and watching Chelsea FC – the team I have supported since the day I was born!

What do you want your career to look like in the next few years? 

I would like to achieve the highest grade possible within my current apprenticeship with QA (a Level 3 Information Communications Technician – Azure Cloud Support Specialist), which ends in October 2023. After the completion of my apprenticeship, I would like to assess where I am, and if possible, take a higher course in an IT field of my choice. 

How would your mates describe you? 

My mates would describe me as the funny one in the group. I can always make them laugh, no matter what the situation. 

What’s been the best part about working for Avita Group so far? 

The best part about working for Avita is 100% the colleagues who I work with every day. From day one, they have been nothing but welcoming. Avita really feels like one big family. All my colleagues have been very helpful throughout my apprenticeship, as they always provide me with any support I may need. Being able to speak to any level of the company has provided me with so much more knowledge, as I have been able to hear from their own work experience journeys, which has benefited me hugely. 

Staff Spotlight: Ian Wells – Operations Manager

At Avita Group, it’s really important we showcase our talented team. Ian has been with the company for just over 2 years, having been in the customer service industry for 39 years with different roles from front line support and project work to management.

Tell me about specific duties within your role

My role involves driving financial efficiency on business costs and streamlining process operations.

What is the most exciting part of your job?

It’s really wonderful to work with such a young, enthusiastic team!

What are the company’s overall goals for this year?

Our company’s goals for this year are to reduce operational costs, drive
efficiency, and grow the Junior roles within the apprentice programme – just to name a few!

How would you describe the teams dynamic?

I feel that we all share a friendly understanding of each and everyones job roles, which can enable us to quickly resolve any conflict positively and quickly. As a small close company, we drive efficiently and enable everyone to have an input on project and end-resolution goals. We’re great communicators, and I feel like in a work environment such as our one, this is vital for getting the job done quickly and thoroughly!

Why did you choose to work here?

Avita Group is a diverse company with multiple technical divisions which I personally find fascinating. It’s also a small, and friendly company – I particularly like Gary – But don’t tell him so!

How has Avita Group changed over the time you’ve been here?

I believe it has become more streamlined over my years working for the company, with a more focussed approach to the key services Avita Group provide to our clients.

What was the company’s biggest challenge last year, and how did you learn from it?

The main challenge, as I suppose with most companies last year, was the lack of staff interaction (in-person) due to COVID restrictions. It became apparent that even though we could all talk on Teams meetings and on the phone, the non-interaction within the office hampered the communication of the business to a degree. We all feel that as a technical company, day-to-day, face-to-face conversation increases knowledge flow, and can make workloads so much easier to deal with!

What is something you are particularly proud of?

My four children.

How do you spend your weekends?

At busy times in the year I like to help out on my family’s farm, mainly driving tractors and combine harvester. When I’m not doing that, I enjoy watching the F1 and spending time with my family and my partner.


Staff Spotlight: Gary Duckman – Managing Director

At Avita Group, it’s really important we showcase our talented team. Gary has been with the company for over 26 years! Having started his career as a Motor Racing and IT technician. Here, he shares his thoughts on how the company has evolved over the years, future goals, and more…

Gary began his career in Motor Sport!

Tell me about specific duties within your role

My role consists of the day-to-day decision-making for the business, and assisting with the running of the audio-visual department, from project management to system programming.

What is the most exciting part of your job?

I love working with technology and learning new things, across all parts of our business. I also enjoy working across the various services we offer.

From Audio Visual and IT, to security and electrical, no two days are the same!

What are the company’s goals for this year?

We are focussed on continued growth and are currently recruiting for junior roles to build the workforce with young and enthusiastic people, across all the service offerings.

“All the directors have young families, and we all understand the challenges young people have in finding a career, so providing options is very important to us”

How would you describe the team dynamic?

We have spent a lot of time making sure the whole company operates as a team, so it’s not departmentalised and we can share resources as and when needed. I think everybody gets this and enjoys it! Nobody has the attitude ‘that’s not my job’ and often directors (including myself) will be on-site carrying out the first fix cabling works. This helps to re-enforce the team and also means that no matter where in the company you are, you remain fresh and capable, and in touch with all the staff roles.

How has Avita Group changed over the years you’ve been here?

Avita Group has changed so much since I started!

When I first joined as a junior we were only an IT services company. This was the same until around 2005 when we started to carry out audio-visual
works and some CCTV. This proved to be a great addition to the business so we focussed attention on it and grew a department, eventually this allowed us to expand and bring in electrical services, data cabling, security, and telecoms so we can now offer a complete solution for our clients.

How do you measure success?

Obviously, the main area of success is measured on profit growth, but I like to think that we invest in the business to grow it and build something for the future! Staff progress, new staff members plus, providing roles for the upcoming younger generation is really important to us. All the directors have young families, and we all understand the challenges young people have in finding a career, so providing some options for the next generation is important and hopefully, they will be there to continue to grow the business when we retire!

Staff Spotlight: Harry Shipton – Senior Network Technician

At Avita Group, it’s really important we showcase our talented team. Harry has been with Avita Group for the past 6 years but has had a passion for technology his whole life. Find out more about Harry and his role below.

Harry started with us as an apprentice over 6 years ago!

How long you’ve been at the company?

Just over 6 years!

Tell me about the specific duties in your role?

I carry out 1st, 2nd, and 3rd line support, as well as planning and executing projects including new systems, installation, and system migrations. I also assist my colleagues in all departments with support cases as well as plans for new installations.

What is the most exciting part of your job?

Getting to work with and learn new technology.  I also work closely with all departments of Avita Group, which enables us to get a wide understanding of our client’s needs as well as expand my knowledge of other fields.

What is something that you are proud of?

The progress and experience I have gained since starting at Avita Group as an Apprentice!

What show are you currently binge-watching?

Just finished The Book of Boba Fett which was great, but my easy to watch comfort TV series will always be Friends!

What’s a skill you’d like to improve?

I’d like to further develop my skills in other areas of the business such as AV, Door Entry, and Security Systems.

How do you spend your weekends?

Visiting family and friends, plus going out to find somewhere with good food and music to dance to!

What’s an interesting fact about you that not many people may know?

I lived in Spain for 3 years when I was much younger, so I can still remember bits of Spanish.

What do you want your career to look like in the next few years?

I hope to continue to expand my knowledge across all areas of technology!

What’s been the best part about working for Avita Group?

The daily new challenges always force me to learn new things, and it’s great to be part of a team that is focused on resolving the issue in front of them.

Work Experience: Avita Group welcomes the next generation of bright candidates

At Avita Group, we understand the importance of investing in the future. Offering opportunities to all is at the core of our ethos, which is why our Work Experience program is one that we are truly most proud of.

Did you know? Julian, who is our IT Director and has been with us for 20+ years, actually started following a stint of work experience!

We’ve had wonderful feedback from both our work experience candidates and their parents.

Jonathan, who came to work with the IT team in December last year, had this to say:

“I would like to thank you for the great opportunity of having me on work experience at Avita. I enjoyed my time here, and feel as though I have learned a lot about how an IT support company operates, with setting up PCs, maintaining them, etc. I hope I made a good impression on you whilst I was there. Give my thanks to the IT team for being welcoming and helpful throughout the time I was there as well. I also hope to use this experience later in life, perhaps as a reference, or even coming back to Avita to work!”

From Jonathan’s Mum:

“I just wanted to give a BIG THANK YOU, to you and all your colleagues at Avita for looking after Jonathan and letting him work with you for 2 weeks. I know he enjoyed it and was sorry his time was over and really did not want it to end. I think this has been a great experience for him and made him more confident.”

We currently have our work experience member Ryan, who has been working hard also in the IT department.

This week he has been cleansing data, reloading software on clients’ laptops (under supervision) He also has dismantled and collated several AV system racks in the workshop. He has also sat with the team on the IT helpdesk to see how we handle remote support.

He has spent time with Claire in HR going through accounts and how she processes and pays bills through our systems and spent time with Ian going over our business best practices.

A huge thank you to all of our work experience candidates!

Staff Spotlight: Benjamin Clark – Apprentice Electrician

At Avita Group, it’s really important we showcase our talented team, especially our apprentices, who we support through the Government’s Apprentice Scheme.

Our sparkies really are something!

We asked Benjamin Clark, our trainee electrician, a few questions on how he’s finding the role, what he’s most proud of and what’s in the future!

Hi Ben! Tell us about specific duties in your current role?

I help to aid my fellow electricians with work required; passing tools, preparing sites, tidying sites, completing electrical tasks, and anything else that’s asked of me. I also watch my colleagues closely, taking note of projects they are working on and the technicalities. This ensures my growth of knowledge in the field!

My parents and my sister inspire me to work hard.

Do you have any mentors in your professional life?

My two bosses (Richard and David) are my most influential mentors. They teach me on a day-to-day basis the ins and outs of the job and how to be the best possible at it!

Who inspires you?

My parents and sister inspire me to work hard.

What is the most exciting part of your job?

I love learning something new every day about the electrical field, and getting to put all my hard work into practice in the real world!

“I’m proud to have recieved a job at Avita”

What is something you’re proud of?

I am proud to have received a job at Avita. It’s been an ambition of mine to work in electrics since secondary school, and I am very happy to finally be working in the field.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee.

What show are you currently binge-watching?

The Witcher.

What do you want your career to look like in the next few years?

I’d like to be a fully qualified electrician, working on sites on my own and working on jobs from start to finish without supervision.

How do you spend your weekends?

Playing football, going to the gym and spending time with my friends.

How would your mates describe you?

(Hopefully) Easy going and fun to be around!

What’s been the best part about working for Avita Group so far?

Meeting the team and learning about a job which I hope will one day be my career!