I have always lived in Greenwich, apart from brief stints working abroad and at university.
After my Computer Science degree I worked in IT at various top 10 London law firms and set up Headstart in 2002 in my spare time.
Whilst working in law firms I further developed my technical skills and learned how to exceed the expectations of even the most demanding users; this experience strongly guided the way we do things here at Headstart.
I began running the business full time in 2006 and we have been growing steadily ever since. Even though my days are busy, I’m happy that I work with a great team and great clients, and I’m very proud of the level of service we provide.
My main role is ensuring our clients and team are happy, whilst managing projects and growing the business.
I love keeping up-to-date with innovations in the tech industry; I read a lot of news and learn from my network of other MSP owners.
Outside of work I spend time with my wife and children; riding bikes, going to the countryside and playing Lego and, when time permits, I’m at the beach kitesurfing, riding the bowl in our new local skatepark, or on a snowy mountain somewhere.
Having struggled with IT issues in my early teens and with no one to help me (this is when most households had one computer with Windows 95, Word 97 with Clippy the unhelpful Paperclip companion, dial-up and Internet Explorer you installed from a CD!), I decided I needed to resolve my own IT problems.
From there I developed a keen interest in IT hardware, gaming and kept up to date with the latest and greatest kit; even if I couldn’t afford it myself! I worked building and fixing PC’s for the now online-only company Maplin when I was 19 and went on to work for Headstart 4 years later and have been there ever since.
My interests include judo, boxing (watching, not partaking!) and, of course, spending time with my wife and young children.
Over 20 years of experience in IT. Worked in Asia and Europe.
My first PC was based on Intel 8088 processor with 640K memory and Dual 5.25″ Floppy Disk.
I enjoy sports, travelling and of course IT. I am married with two amazing kids, Rohan and Ryan. When I am not at Headstart, I am accepting orders from them …
Hi, I’m Elisa, I was born and grew up in Italy – near Milan – but I’ve been living in London for more than 10 years and worked alongside with James at Headstart since (he is the reason why I moved to London in the first place). I mainly look after Headstart accounts and other office administration duties.
When I’m not working, I’m a proud mum of two young children and I love to spend time with my family and our dog; going to the park, cycling, walking in the country, skiing, swimming and much more.
I don’t like/can’t fix computer problems, but luckily I don’t have to; I have a great team of engineers around me.
I have over twenty years’ experience as a PA; in industries including Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace and Academia.
Sophisticated IT developments now allow me to achieve the perfect work/life balance; working remotely for Headstart IT Solutions whilst living with my family in the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds. When I’m not at work, I’m driving my two daughters to their various activities, walking our dog, doing boot camp and seeing friends.
I’ve always enjoyed creative hobbies and interests, making music and videos, graphic design, 3D modelling and 3D printing, video game modification and coding, all came back to the same core interest … Computers!
For the past decade prior to joining Headstart, I have supported IT in the education sector, managing the local network, workstations, mobile devices and general infrastructure. This gave me experience fixing a wide range of issues, from Windows PCs, to Macs, cabling and even recording studios, as well as IT planning & procurement. Alongside my technician duties, I also had some teaching responsibilities which instilled a passion in me for helping others.
Outside of work, when I am not on a computer, I enjoy football, walking, skiing, and accidentally hitting golf balls into the ceiling at the driving range.
After completing my IT apprenticeship over a decade ago, I dived into the dynamic world of information technology. With prior experience in the non-profit charity sector as part of a small team supporting 150 users in a heavily cloud based environment. In my previous work place I started as a first line IT support officer to 7 years later managing the IT support team before I started here at Headstart. I thrive on troubleshooting challenges. I’m always eager to get involved with new technologies, especially to see where AI will take us next!
Outside of work, you’ll find me cheering for our local football team, Charlton Athletic. I also love travelling and cherishing quality moments with my wife.
Restored my faith in IT support
James, Ashley and the team at Headstart have put my faith back in to IT support. Their communication is clear and jargon free. They provide an excellent, efficient and professional service that I highly recommend.
Paula Lane Oak Hill Community Nursery