10 YEAR SUCCESS STORY

Organising IT and technical products for nearly 90 clients is all in a day’s work for Lifeline IT’s Rahul Dave, who looks after our procurement.

To celebrate Rahul’s 10 year anniversary with us, we interview the IT expert to find out more about his role and how it benefits our clients.

What’s your role within the company?

I deal with all the procurement – everything from ordering products and liaising with supplier’s customer service, to organising software renewals. Our clients are incredibly busy, so it’s my job to keep on top of their software subscriptions and also make sure we source IT kit that’s within their budget and delivered on time.

What are the main issues that clients face?

Although I head up procurement, prior to this I was an engineer so have experience of IT issues. One of the biggest problems clients have is internet connectivity and speed – especially at the moment when so many people are home working.

Any particular challenges of the job?

Waiting for third-party suppliers to get back to me can often be frustrating, especially when you’re on a deadline trying to get something organised for clients. Also, if deliveries of equipment are wrong, I have to sort it out with minimum disruption for the client – fortunately though this doesn’t happen too often.

Biggest achievement in the last 10 years?

Suggesting to Dan and Adam to allow me to start running the procurement department, so they could focus on growing the business. They both thought it was a great idea and it has freed them up to develop Lifeline IT, whilst I have been able to make the role my own.

Most exciting IT advancement of the last decade?

It sounds a bit dull but the expansion of fibre internet – being able to have high speed internet has been a great development.

Any IT disasters?

I once sent a VERY expensive server to the wrong address – fortunately a kind neighbour let me know it was sitting outside an empty building. I’ve never moved so fast to get to that address to retrieve it!

Best piece of IT advice?

Be grateful for the Internet – without it it would be impossible to do all the things we take for granted as part of our daily lives.

Best thing about working at Lifeline IT?

The team is phenomenal – kind, friendly and you can always ask for help.

How do you relax outside of work?

Cricket is a real passion of mine – I enjoy watching and playing it. I support India but also England, especially as they’re doing well at the moment!

Any advice for clients?

If there’s anything you’re unsure of, always speak to one of the Lifeline IT team – we can often resolve a problem quickly or suggest ways to improve your IT system.