Meet the team: Paul Stevenson

By JR | Blog

Each month, we’re interviewing a different member of our team. This month we spoke to IT Manager, Paul Stevenson.

 

How long have you worked for Stevenson’s, Paul?

As it’s my family’s business, I started with Stevenson’s when I was a teenager during my school holidays. But I formally joined the payroll full-time in 1992, starting in the shop.

 

Have you worked anywhere else?

Yes, before I was fully employed here, I worked part time at Marks and Spencer while doing my A-Levels. I went to university but it wasn’t for me so I dropped out. I even once did a night shift in Tip-Top bakery in Orpington, but that wasn’t my proudest moment!

 

What roles have you held?

What roles haven’t I had?! I’ve done a bit of everything, from yard boy to MD, and still muck-in where needed. We all do – we’re a small family firm.

I’m currently the IT Manager and IT has formed a large part of what I’ve done during my nearly 30 years at Stevenson’s.

In my early days, I redesigned the stock management software, then I set up our first computer network and created the service department’s job management software. After a part-time AAC accountancy course, I took on the payroll management, updating us to the latest software accounting and payroll packages.

As technology improved, I installed our second computer network, linking all the computers, installing a Windows server and a much bigger telephone system.

Around that time, we had taken over Keston Boilers, so I spent some time getting hands-on gas experience with the engineers. I held various roles at Keston, latterly company secretary and office manager. I created a job management system and integrated it with the accounts and an engineer’s mobile reporting system.

In 2006, I transferred back to Stevenson Heating, spent a few years as Managing Director and then became IT Manager, which is really my first passion.

 

What do you want to achieve in your current role?

My priority is to streamline our IT systems again, as technology doesn’t stand still. It’s important we take advantage of technological changes – especially in these times of increased remote working – and continually improve our customer service.

 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

You can probably tell from my work history that I am a total nerd!

I’m also qualified as a Level 1 British Cycling Coach. My Saturday mornings are usually spent coaching at the Hayes children’s bike club, known as Bigfoot. We’ve done a version of the London to Brighton bike ride and a Hayes to Dunwich (Suffolk) three-day ride with them.

 

Do you have a favourite film or song?

My favourite film has to be Ronin. Music-wise, I mostly like 90’s Brit-pop and dance – I used to do mixing in the late 90’s.

 

And finally, tea or coffee?!

I am rather partial to a particular coffee from Costa: their vanilla latte!