How did you get into the data centre industry?
It’s been a pretty unexpected journey, to be honest. I graduated with a double degree in mathematics and computer science, so naturally, I started off in a very technical role—working in the background at a company checking credit scores and the like. But I quickly realised that kind of work didn’t push me, so when a headhunter approached me about a sales role at a system integrator, I gave it a shot—even though I had no background in sales at the time.
That job really kickstarted everything. I spent eight years in that company, moving from basic Cisco installs all the way to software like ArcGIS. Back then, five megawatts in a data centre was a big deal—which is funny now, looking at how much the industry has evolved. Eventually, I left that role, spent six years in barcode and automation tech and then stepped away to focus on raising my son.
When I was ready to re-enter the workforce, I didn’t want to return to sales right away. I actually studied project management to better understand the part of the business I had always clashed with in my sales days. That course gave me a new perspective, and just as I started job hunting again, I was approached by a data centre company.
I wasn’t sure at first, but then a former colleague encouraged me to explore it. He explained how the industry had exploded and how the role I was considering was right in the heart of it. Now I’m part of CBRE’s Data Centre Solutions team, focused on the white space across APAC. I get to work across markets like Indonesia and Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
I never expected to be reading schematics or pointing at drawings again, but here I am, and it’s genuinely fun. The learning never stops, and that’s what keeps it exciting.
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].
