What has been your path into digital infrastructure?
My journey into the industry actually began in a way I never could have anticipated. I started as the controller for a construction company, which, at the time, felt far removed from where I’d ultimately land. But looking back, it turned out to be a perfect foundation for my role as CFO in the data centre industry—after all, data centres are deeply intertwined with construction.
However, I was looking for something more dynamic and global, something that aligned with my aspirations for a fast-paced, exciting career. That’s when I decided to pivot into technology, driven by what people were calling “this thing called the Internet.” I saw a job posting for a position at Lycos, an internet search engine company. Although there wasn’t a position suited to me, I took a chance and sent my resume with a letter explaining why I wanted to be part of their team. That bold move paid off—they created a role for me, and that’s how I began my tech career.
Later, a former coworker from Lycos recruited me to join Verne Global, a company that was still in its infancy—a mere concept. When I joined Verne, I was the first accountant there, juggling everything from paying the first bill and running payroll to hiring the first team members. It was incredibly hands-on and I was exposed to so many facets of the company as I was there from day one.
If your application is successful, Harlow Council will transfer the grant by BACS. Bank details (account name, number and sort code) will need to be supplied with a summary of accounts.
Funding conditions: If your application is successful, your project must be delivered by 31 December 2026. You will have to return any grant funds if the project is not delivered or the organisation receiving the funding stops operating.
A contract agreement will need to be signed between your organisation and Harlow District Council before any funding is granted.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Grant recipients will be required to provide an end of project report to establish whether the project has met its aims and objectives, as well as to assess the overall impact on participants. Funding for the project is provided on the basis that the Project Evaluation form is returned within the agreed project timescale (no later than 31 January 2027).
Risks and Liabilities: In giving grants the ‘Harlow Council’ will require the supported project organisation or groups to accept all risks and liabilities associated with the activity being supported. This will be a condition of the grant. Copies of relevant documents may need to be provided if the application has been approved.
Data protection statement – how we will use your information
The Council is committed to handling your personal information in line with the data processing principles. The Data Protection Legislation and the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) sets the legal framework for how we collect, handle and process personal data and for your rights as a ‘data subject.’
General Data Protection Regulation: Personal data provided by you will be processed in accordance with this protocol. For more details, please see https://www.harlow.gov.uk/privacy-notice
Thank you for taking the time to read these guidance notes. If you have any questions, please get in touch with [email protected].
