Patrick Walker, Beaverbrooks

Patrick Walker, Head of IT at award-winning Beaverbrooks, provides some insight into the IT challenges he experiences on a day-to-day basis

Q. What do you think has been the secret of Beaverbrook's success in this recession?

Great customer service and products. We involve our people in everything we do and always looking at ways to improve the way we work.

Q. What's the secret to good customer service?

Understanding the customer's needs and delivering a memorable service experience.

Q. What is Beaverbrook's attitude to IT?

Beaverbrook's main focus is always on customer service and product, but the company understands that IT is an essential tool in helping to deliver both of these.

Q. How do you convince your board to invest in IT?

Beaverbrook's board are always willing to, and have a proven record of, investing in IT if there is a clear business case for improving customer service and/or operational efficiency.
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Q. How do you get the best out of your suppliers?

By choosing suppliers, such as Vodat International, with similar cultures and values to ours, building strong trusting relationships, and getting them to understand our business needs.