Farewell to an Era
I never imagined, at the beginning of the new millennium, that 25 years later I would be reflecting on my time spent as part of the nFocus family. I use the word family as that is what in the main it has felt like. Like any family, we have shared great times and many challenges along the way. The memories of projects fade quickly, it is the people that will endure in my memory… thank you. Probably stretching the analogy, a bit far, but now with the marriage to 2i, nFocus are all part of a larger family, with new “relations” and relationships to build. I wish them all every success.
My Story and The nFocus Journey
Dan and I met whilst working on a very large project at the then MEB, to be honest I was not sure of him initially. He had been given a thankless task by the fearsome project manager, but to his credit he approached it with what I later discovered to be his trademark “winning enthusiasm”. He soon won me over.
After MEB, we worked together on developing a test management tool. Something more suited to Dan’s technical skills. After our partner in this joint venture was unable to continue, we ended up refocusing around technical testing, which suited our skill sets. We saw that our futures lay together and formed nFocus. The conventional wisdom that small companies struggled to attract large companies as customers did not seem to apply to us. Our first customers were Microsoft, the UK Government and EDS (one of the largest IT services providers in the world, at the time). We quickly grew, being listed in The Sunday Times – Top 30 growing companies, an accolade I am rightly proud of.
Key Milestone and Achievements
By developing the relationships, we had with Microsoft and largely through Dan’s winning enthusiasm and hard work. We became the first testing consultancy to be awarded their Gold Application Lifecycle Management partner status. An achievement in its own right, but soon to be surpassed when we were recognised as their worldwide Gold Partner of the Year. I remember that Dan got to meet the “great and the good” at the awards ceremony.
Later, we received many other awards: Best Small-Medium Business & Best Marketing at the best Business awards, Leading Vendor at the European Software Testing awards, Named in Test Magazine’s list of the UK’s leading testing providers and honoured with the prestigious Services Company of Year at the UK IT Awards. All very proud moments for both me and the rest of the team.
The People Behind the Success
As we evolved as a company, it was always gratifying when the qualities we espoused were recognised and rewarded. However, I am most proud of the people that have put in countless hours at the “coalface”, solving problems, overcoming sometimes difficult and challenging situations. Showing our customers that engaging with nFocus was one of their better decisions.
As Managing Director, I spent long hours working alongside Dan, Chris and Ryan. John Qualtrough was a great support and council. We all believed in nFocus and that the common values that we shared were right for the business we were building. The positives, smiles and laughter far outweighed any negatives. I miss the sense of involvement, of living the business and that it was “us against the world”; the comradery it instilled in us.
A Fond Farewell and Best Wishes for the Future
Latterly, I have taken on the role of chairman. Helping to steer the business through some very choppy waters at times, but more recently through to the acquisition by 2i. It has always felt an honour to be part of the nFocus success story. Although I have retired, I will watch with great interest as the future with 2i unfolds. Let me end by wishing you well…
Let’s hear from our team members as they express their gratitude and best wishes:
“Ross, as you step into retirement, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your mentorship and guidance over the past sixteen years. Your leadership as the Co-Founder and Chairman of nFocus has been pivotal in shaping the company’s direction for many years. Thank you for starting nFocus with Danny and creating a business and culture that people loved being part of.
Your support and belief in me have been invaluable, especially during my tenure as Managing Director over the past five years. Thank you for your service to the business and nurturing it, often personally sacrificing for the benefit of others. It’s the end of an era, and hopefully one you’re very proud of. Congratulations on your retirement, and may this next chapter bring you joy and fulfilment.” – Ryan James, Managing Director
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“Ross as co-founder of nFocus Ltd has served as both Chairman and Managing Director during his 25-year tenure at the company. He has been instrumental in shaping the company and turning a small venture into a successful SME.
He has helped to increase company revenue and market expansion from a single client to several whilst as MD. Ross’ strategic vision along with his leadership skills has encouraged a positive and productive environment, with a focus on strategic thinking, decisiveness, team building, and communication skills.
I have worked closely with him during his time at nFocus and we have faced, and overcome many challenges whilst the company grew and became the success it is today. Ross has been instrumental with my career progression and has been very supportive both on a professional and personal level.” – Chris Edge, Financial Director
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“Ross has been a positive force in my career for well over a decade. Since joining nFocus, he has always made himself available for a chat about any issues, and has provided exceptional advice on numerous occasions. A leader by example and great fun to be around, he will be hugely missed by everyone at nFocus.
I wish him all the very best for his well deserved retirement, and promise that the kettle will be on whenever he’s in the area, especially if he’s been out wild camping and needs a warm up! Thanks for everything, Ross.” – Gary Kingsmill, Talent Manager
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“While we will miss your leadership, we celebrate your dedication and achievements. Enjoy every moment of retirement – you’ve earned it!” – Rad Wadas, Technical Test Consultant
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“Congratulations on your retirement, Ross, you’ve truly earnt it after 25 years of building nfocus up. Your leadership and guidance has had a great impact on us at nFocus, and it has been great working with you all these years.
One of my fondest memories of Ross was when we did the charity Race for Life in town park together alongside other nFocus colleagues and my brother. Through rain and shine, it was a fantastic day.
I wish you lots of happiness, excitement and relaxation for your future!” – Jessica Ward, Test Consultant
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“Dear Ross, a huge thank you from us, for co-founding nFocus with Danny back in 2000, serving as Managing Director up until 2016, and then Chairman. I imagine you are immensely proud of how far the company has come. nFocus has benefitted from your business acumen, authenticity, genuine care for staff and clients alike.
It’s a fantastic legacy you leave behind! I know you will be rooting for us as we’re harnessing future technologies, as a 2i Testing company. Enjoy your well-earned rest and enjoy a very happy retirement, Ross, you will be missed! Thank you!” – Jane Kelly, Test Consultant
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Ross, your retirement after 25 as co-founder, managing director and then chairman has been incredible years has been truly earned. I just want to take a moment to say what a pleasure it has been working with you and the company you started. You’ve been such an integral part of this company since the very beginning, and your leadership and kindness have left a lasting impact on me and everyone who’s had the privilege of working alongside you. Wishing all the best for your retirement and on to the next chapter. – Michael Massiah, Client Delivery Manager
