C-Tech Solutions

Every career has its milestones. The roles that shape you, the people you meet along the way, the lessons you pick up and, occasionally, the moments that change the direction of what comes next.

For Chris Amies, joining C-Tech Solutions as our new Business Development Manager represents the latest chapter in a career built on vast experience, real relationships and a genuine understanding of the industry.

With plenty of stories and lessons gathered along the way, we thought there was no better way to introduce Chris than to let him tell us about his journey in his own words. We talked about the experiences that have shaped his approach to business, what attracted him to C-Tech Solutions, what he has learned about building lasting customer relationships and what continues to motivate him after many years in the industry.

There was also time for a little reflection, and a few more personal questions along the way.

So, before Chris gets fully immersed in his new role, we sat down with him to find out a little more about the man behind the title, the experience he brings with him and what he’s looking forward to in this next chapter.

Let’s jump in:

Q:  Chris Amies, welcome to C-Tech Solutions Ltd! You’ve built an impressive career over many years. Before we talk about your new role, what are some of the experiences or moments in your career that have shaped the way you approach business today?

A:  That’s a really interesting question. There have been a lot of people who have influenced my career. Firstly, and by far the most important was my dad. I always thought I would follow him through military and potentially the motor trade. However, he said “computers are the way forward son” and who was I to question him.

Then there was my supervisor when I entered the industry. He not only taught me the trade but also prepared me for life in the ‘Big Bad World’. I hadn’t really ventured out of Berkshire before then. Immediately we were travelling the length and breadth of the UK installing multiple different cabling systems in all types of buildings.

As my career progressed I have learned from many piers. But the harshest lesson was by a Managing Director who showed me how not to treat employees. I knew from that moment on that I would do everything in my power not to treat people the way she thought was acceptable. Needless to say our careers have taken very different paths.

From a project point of view I would say bidding, winning and then delivering the IT infrastructure for Centre Parcs, in Woburn was my greatest success and one I still refer to as it was a multi-facetted project in very challenging environment. I was really testing my project management skills there…

Q:  What attracted you to C-Tech Solutions, and what made you feel that this was the right time to take on a new challenge?

A:  Having already used C-Tech as support for previous installations I knew the company was set up right with all the core values I rate highly. Then once the timing was right and Mike and I started talking about me working for C-Tech it became obvious very quickly that he and I see things very similarly.

Mike has built a successful business and I only wanted to join if I could make a difference. That was key.

Although we are like minded, we do have different skillsets which allows us to dovetail rather than step on each other’s toes. Locations work too as I can focus my efforts in the South whilst Mike spends most of his time navigating the North of the country. Mike’s expansion plans truly excite me too.

Q:  Having worked across the industry for a number of years, what do you think businesses sometimes get wrong when it comes to developing relationships with customers, and what have you learned about doing it well?

A:  Now this one I can answer easily. I have seen too many times companies employ a “rockstar” salesman because his numbers are through the roof. However, if they do not know the industry and in particular the network cabling industry then it makes it very difficult for them to succeed. My journey is very different. I started as a cabling apprentice – Senior Engineer – Supervisor – Project Manager – Operations Manager – Operations Director – Managing Director, and now into sales. You could say I know the industry inside out. So, when it comes to sales and delivery there is nothing I cannot do. I guess you could say I walk the walk not just talk the talk.

Q:  You’re coming into the business with a huge amount of experience. What have you noticed in your first few weeks that has impressed you, and is there anything you’re particularly keen to bring from your own experience?

A:  C-Tech is all about the people. Everyone bringing their skillset and playing their part. It’s a very inclusive company which is what struck me.

As for what I am bringing, it’s the ability to see opportunities beyond the obvious. So I understand the requirement, but what else can I help with in expanding the sales opportunity. I have also built a robust support network in the industry, so I will look to raise our profile and further our reach. I want to make a difference for people to really notice that I have joined the business.

Q:  What’s one piece of advice you’ve been given during your career that has stayed with you, and do you still follow it today?

A:  Our industry is incredibly incestuous, so the advice I received a long time ago and to this day try to pass on is to ensure you always treat people the way you expect to be treated. I have colleagues from 30 years ago whom I can call now and they will always pick up and try to help where they can. I like to think I am the same.

Q:  And finally, after all those years in business, what still gets you excited about getting up on a Monday morning?

A:  I refer back to a previous question. It’s the making a difference! If I can see an opportunity to improve a process, bring on a new technology, look at an alternative supplier as it will give a positive change then that’s progress. I also thrive on building and improving teams, assisting others to be the best version of themselves. This industry has given me so much, I try to give some back in any way I can.

I guess the obvious answer would be bringing in the multi-million pound deal, but that’s just my job 😊

Chris, thank you so much for your time.

“You’re very welcome.”

You can reach out to Chris via LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-a-9703b1235/