
Web and Computer Technology Consultant
Stockport, United Kingdom

Web and Computer Technology Consultant
Stockport, United Kingdom
Simon Belt started his career as a technology consultant in the rather restrictive environment of the civil service, moving into the more flexible and innovative international outsourcing world. His preference is implementing technology the way it should be deployed, rather than what increases the bottom line of any given support contract. In 1999, Simon established his own IT Consultancy - Simply Better IT - to do just that.
Simon is able to help small businesses use technology better, including:
* Domain Name registration and hosting
* Reliable and redundant Internet connections - ADSL broadband, SDSL, satellite, cable and WiMax
* Website design, development, optimisation and hosting
* Network cabling, including patch panels, floor ports and switches
* Firewalls, antivirus and Unified Threat Management
* Server specification, procurement, installations and support
* Email setup, database development, file storage, data backup and restore
* Computer services, procurement, installations and support
* Printer and scanner specification, procurement, installations and support
* Remote access to file storage, email access from your mobile phone
Born and brought up in 60's Yorkshire, he moved to Lancashire on a civilising mission in the 80's, and now moved on to sunny Derbyshire where he’s now based.
Microsoft Small Business Server, Website Development, Search Engine Optimisation
(Non-Profit Organization Management industry)
August 2008 — Present (1 year 4 months)
Providing human centred quality control of Directory Listings for Search Engines using the DMOZ - Open Directory Project. I am extending my categories from New Mills to High Peak in Derbyshire.
Challenge is to provide impartial listing service even when some of the sites are linked to me or competitors, but I can conquer challenges like that!
(Information Technology and Services industry)
July 2008 — Present (1 year 5 months)
Coordinate meeting agenda, third parties pitching their products and services to the group, liaising with Microsoft Partner Programme to communicate news, events and speakers.
(Think Tanks industry)
June 2007 — Present (2 years 6 months)
The Manchester Salon was inspired after a trip to London for the Battle of Ideas festival in 2006, and a desire to bring some of the flavour of those very engaging debates to Manchester. The Salon now meets every month to discuss a topic of current affairs, maybe through the prism of a recently published book on the topic, and often with the author of the book introducing it.
The aim is to try and capture the essence and nuances of current affairs issues, and discuss possible solutions. With as many views as there are participants, our conversations never end and are carried on more informally in the bar after the debate. I help coordinate the discussion themes and speakers, manage the promotional strategy and website - www.manchestersalon.org.uk.
(Sole Proprietorship; Information Technology and Services industry)
February 1999 — Present (10 years 10 months)
I provide all Web and Technology consultancy and support to small businesses helping them to use technology better.
Currently developing my skill set around website development technologies and techniques, particularly focus on Joomla! 1.5 Content Management System websites to easily edit and rework content to match business specific content with persuasive content techniques. My best effort so far is http://www.newmillsgolfclub.co.uk/.
(Public Company; CAP; Information Technology and Services industry)
October 1997 — September 2006 (9 years )
Worked as Infrastructure Manager for Test and Production environments, involving Desktop Support, Server Support, Network Support and application development. Worked on Integration Testing team at Starhub in Singapore testing the billing sytems on new Fixed/Mobile/Broadband Data startup Aug-Dec 2000.
(Government Agency; 1001-5000 employees; Government Administration industry)
September 1990 — October 1997 (7 years 2 months)
Provided all desktop and some server support to various departmental systems used with the Government Office. Developed all internal databases used by depatments.
O and A levels: , Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, Geology and French , 1976 — 1981
I walked to school every day, there and back some 2 miles each way through woods, up and down hills, come rain or shine and the idea of getting a lift or being ferried by parents wasn't even contemplated. I can't imagine what kids today must think having an expectation that someone will always be there as a taxi service - surely no good for parent or kid!
Developing a human centred approach to all aspects of life including technology and the Internet. Became a volunteer editor of DMOZ directory to ensure quality control of Dir ectory Listings for Search Engines.
Organise a Current Affairs Discussion Forum - Manchester Salon, managing speaker invites, promotion via website, Facebook Group and Email invites.
Organise a Microsoft Small Business Specialist Community (SBSC) Group in Manchester, managing speaker invites, promotion via website, Facebook Group and Email invites.
Member of Institute of Ideas, and help by being Judge at their Debating Matters competition.
Organise the New Mills Business Network via website promotion of meetings incorporated into local business directory listings website I manage using resources of Business and Enterprise College students to collect and update information for.
Microsoft Small Business Specialist, Microsoft Certified Professional, Zen Internet Partner, Kaspersky Partner