Meet our IT Team: Ben Lockson and Sam Creasey

As we conclude our Meet the IT Team series, we are delighted to introduce you to our final two IT colleagues, Ben Lockson, our IT Service Desk Engineer and Sam Creasey, our Head Of IS.

Read more about their careers and what they enjoy most about working in IT…

Meet Ben Lockson…

When did you join TCFG?

I joined TCFG in September after completing work experience within the team. This is my first ever job in IT.

What made you consider a career in IT?

I have always enjoyed using computers, so I thought if I could find a career centred around something I enjoy so much, I could develop and expand my knowledge with computers and systems.

What is so great about being in IT at TCFG?

Everyone in the department is very helpful and supports me with everything I need to develop within my career.

What opportunities are there within TCFG for IT?

In IT, there are many opportunities to prove my abilities and reliability and to support me to progress within my role.

Why should you consider a career with TCFG?

You should consider a career with TCFG because everyone is very friendly and helpful. You could ask anyone for support and they’d help you!

Describe an average day at TCFG.

No one day consists of the same tasks, there are commonalities between the days, but I always find myself solving new problems each day. Some issues are challenging but this all benefits me as I learn and grow in my position.

Meet Sam Creasey…

When did you join TCFG?

I Joined the Crewe site in January 2019, so I am coming up to 5 years working for the Group. I have been in my current central role for over a year now.

How long have you worked in IT?

I started implementing ERP systems in 2013, so circa 10 years.

What made you consider a career in IT?

I was at a cross roads in my career and I had been working with systems in a finance department where unfortunately the site was shut and all staff made redundant. During that employment I had gone from the shop floor, making yoghurts, into the Finance department where the company kindly put me through an accountancy qualification (AAT). I had a choice to continue down the accountancy route or systems route. I was lucky enough to be offered an opportunity at a Global ERP solutions provider as an implementation consultant which set me on the path I’m on now.

What is so great about being in IT at TCFG?

IT within TCFG is very varied and fast paced, there are always projects in various parts of the implementation lifecycle, be it initiation and planning all the way through to delivery and the retrospective review of success. Add on top of that the support of business as usual activities and systems too, the IS team are currently supporting upwards of 40 – 50 systems so no two days are ever the same.  I’m very proud of the team we are currently building, and continually see all of them go above and beyond whilst taking enormous pleasure in providing solutions to the business. This in turn leads to building relationships with lots of different people across the spectrum of the group which is great.

What opportunities are there within TCFG for IT?

IT is an extremely varied function. Within IS, we have data engineers, developers, project & team managers who all have expertise in their specific field, either they have come into the business with that expertise or they have gained qualifications through The Compleat Food Group.

Why should you consider a career with TCFG?

Given the vision within TCFG, it is an exciting time to have a career within TCFG. All departments are working towards the Food to Feel Good mantra, and IT are no different. It’s amazing to be a cog in a business with so many recognisable and tasty brands. There are so many opportunities across the group to make a positive impact, not just on the bottom line but also to the health and well being of other employees. It really does feel like we are one big community striving towards the same goal and that’s very satisfying to be a part of.

Describe an average day at TCFG.

I’m not sure there is an average day. Each day is so very varied, but you’ll generally find me either planning for the future or trying to assist the team in fixing issues before they effect the end user. The aim each day is try to ensure all users have the tools they need when they need them to complete their role.