01, Design

Leading the middleware design

I initially led the Milton Keynes team that designed the middleware suite connecting the wider solution. It comprised several applications written in C++ and Visual Basic and had to work across systems delivered by multiple internal and external parties.

02, Multi-brand complexity

One configurable suite had to serve very different brands

Arcadia operated several brands, including Topshop, Principles, Burton and Dorothy Perkins. The brands had different business rules, but the software had to be configurable for any of them rather than rebuilt brand by brand.

Across the suite, the applications provided functions including transaction reporting, price updates, stock management and promotions management. Changes had to respect both shared processes and brand-specific behaviour.

03, Live implementation

Taking the software into live operation

I was then sent to Leeds to oversee the live implementation and make the software changes needed as the solution met the operational environment.

04, Training and support

Preparing people to operate and support the system

I helped train the training team and built tools that helped them identify where store staff needed more support. I also helped train Arcadia's first-, second- and third-line support teams, then remained behind them as developer support.

05, Cross-solution delivery

Solving problems across supplier boundaries

The programme involved several delivery partners. I worked with internal teams, external suppliers and stakeholders to help resolve issues that crossed solution boundaries rather than sitting neatly inside one application.

06, Rollout capability

Building the technical implementation team

I recruited and trained the technical implementation team, established the technical implementation approach and wrote tools to support its work. I then guided delivery into the first few hundred stores.

07, Why it matters

The work joined engineering, operations and delivery

This was not isolated coding. It combined system design, hands-on C++ and Visual Basic development, live problem solving, supplier coordination, training, support readiness, team building and communication with senior management.

That breadth is directly relevant when an important legacy change crosses applications, suppliers and operational teams and needs someone who can understand both the code and the delivery system around it.