5 minutes with Steve Robb

In this Q&A, Steve Robb talks about his role as Q2Q’s development manager.

• Describe your role at Q2Q in one paragraph

Since starting at Q2Q, I have been responsible for the development of SQL databases and reports for our clients and internal use. I’m also heavily involved in providing quick, accurate data feeds, macros and reports for our customers via Excel and Word, which means automating repetitive procedures to provide more accurate and efficient workflows. Additionally, I get involved in data integration projects, such as transferring data from SQL to the websites of our E-commerce customers, for their sales processing, stock control and product updates.

• What’s your favourite part of the job?

I love to see all the team smiling and enjoying what’s going on.

• What does it take to be a great development manager?

You have to listen carefully to what a customer’s requirements are and be able to make productive suggestions, especially if they’re not completely sure about what they are trying to achieve. Logical thinking, planning and future-proofing are also central to effective coding, as you need to know it will work for the customer both immediately and in the future.

• If your colleagues could sum you up in one word, which word would they use?

Level-headed.

• What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A professional musician.

• The phone rings and it’s your dream enquiry – who would the client be?

The client would be someone who understands the benefits and value for money they can get from an external IT company.

• What’s the biggest IT challenge facing SMEs in the current business climate?

Cyber-security.

• If you could change one thing about the IT sector, what would it be?

I’d like to see honest, best prices from third party software houses so that you know each year, bar inflation, exactly what you will be paying. Price models that are built solely to suck you in are no good for anyone in the long run.

• What are your hopes for Q2Q over the next 12 months?

I hope to see steady and controlled growth.

• If you could pick any 3 words to describe Q2Q, what would they be?

Friendly, committed and honest.