Festive focus: Our conversation with Waterstons director Alistair McLeod

Can you introduce yourself and your business to our readers?

“I’m Alistair McLeod, business development director at Waterstons. I’ve worked in IT for 25 years, starting as an enthusiastic software developer and progressing into strategic IT consultancy. I joined the company 18 years ago as a lead software developer, when we were 25 people.

“We are now over 166 and I have had various different roles in the business during this time. More recently helping to build up our client portfolio with architects and engineers in London.

“I never thought I would stay so long at one organisation, but the values of the business and the passion all of us have for helping our clients use technology to achieve their strategic objectives has never made me want to work anywhere else. It’s a fairly unique culture.”

What was your company’s biggest achievement of the year?

“We’ve had a very busy year and have achieved many exciting things, including securing a new office which we move into over Christmas.

“The biggest achievement has to be the renewal of contracts with several clients who we have worked with for a long time. This is always a good barometer of how well we are doing.”

How would you approach 2018 differently, given the chance?

“We have grown very quickly, with more than 50 people joining us in the last 12 months. Finding the right people has been challenging and hard work, and with hindsight we could have managed this better.

“That said we have found some amazing people, but we could have anticipated how much work was involved better.”

What are your company’s plans for the new year?

“The move into the new building is going to provide us with better working spaces and facilities for our people. We are also venturing into Australia, with four people going to be based permanently there to service our clients who have a presence there.

“We will be looking to build on this and hopefully in the not too distant future have our first international office!”

What’s your favourite Christmas song?

“Step into Christmas by Elton John.”