New starters in development and support

Over the last few months a lot of exciting things have happened at Sparkol's new home. Our team has grown again. We get the lowdown from new arrivals Phil and Andy about Pocahontas, what they do at Sparkol, and, most importantly – what they eat for breakfast.

Phil

Front end developer, helping to facilitate all things web so that you and all the other VideoScribe users can find what you need when you want it.

Where did you grow up?

A village called Indian Queens, near Newquay in Cornwall. Apparently its named that because Pocohontas walked through there once.

What did you do before Sparkol?

After a degree in Digital Art and Technology at Plymouth University, I worked as a web developer for four years at GOSS Interactive in Plymouth.

Tell us a bit about what you have been working on since starting…

Improving our website and Sparkol Answers. I also made the blog.

What makes Sparkol a great place to work?

An energetic atmosphere, free food and the ping pong table!

What excites you about Sparkol?

Everyone here is passionate about the company and its future.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

The 1975.

What's your favourite film?

Rocky (Adriaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan).

What's your breakfast of choice to get you ready for a day of hardcore coding?

Shreddies with milk, and some pineapple juice.

Andy

Application support analyst. Answering your questions, solving your problems and making support brilliant for all of our customers.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in South Gloucestershire. I've lived in the area all my life.

What did you do before Sparkol?

My last job was as a manager for a domiciliary care company – looking after people to enable them to remain in their own homes (mostly old people but some younger ones as well).

What are you bringing to Sparkol?

Lots of experience of IT (20+ years). Experience from lots of other things like the care company and running my own business.

What have you been working on since starting?

I help support VideoScribe for our ever-growing user base.

What excites you about Sparkol?

Where we could be in a year's time or 5 years' time!

What makes Sparkol a great place to work?

Great team, great office, great working atmosphere and of course, great chocolate.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

I grew up listening to music in the 70s so I like lots of 70s rock plus more modern stuff too. And some jazz and classical as well.

What's the best place you've ever visited?

Amsterdam. It's a beautiful city with lovely, friendly people.

And what kind of breakfast prepares you to support our fantastic customers?

Well sometimes I eat cereals but if I'm in a rush it might be something unhealthy like biscuits. Coffee is a must though.