When customers need technical support, advice, or a helping hand to keep their IT running smoothly, chances are they’ll cross paths with James Crawley and the VeryPC Service Desk team.
As our Service Desk Manager, James leads the team responsible for supporting our Managed Support customers, helping businesses resolve issues quickly, proactively monitoring systems, and ensuring customers receive the high level of service they’re accustomed to from VeryPC. Whether he’s meeting customers, reviewing system alerts, preparing solutions, or jumping in to assist with support tickets, James is always focused on keeping things running smoothly.
Having joined VeryPC eight years ago as a Senior IT Technician, James has progressed through the business into a leadership role, bringing with him a wealth of technical knowledge, a customer-first approach and a passion for developing the team around him. His journey is a great example of the opportunities available at VeryPC and the value we place on helping our people grow their careers.
We caught up with James to talk about his time at VeryPC, what he enjoys most about leading the Service Desk team, and to learn a little more about the person behind the role.
Q: How long have you been with VeryPC? and what was your very first role when you joined the company?
A: I’ve been with VeryPC 8 years now and my first role was as a Senior IT Technician.
Q: What does a typical day as Service Desk Manager look like?
A: Every day is different which is one of the things I like about the role. I typically start the day off with a quick check in our RMM to make sure everything is ticking along nicely. We have a daily team meeting to catch up and then the day can involve a variety of things. From customer meetings, preparing quotes, invoicing, through to getting hands on and answering the phone and picking up support tickets for customers.
Q: What do you enjoy most about leading the Service Desk team?
A: We’ve got a great team who are really good to work with. When you’re surrounded by a good team it certainly makes coming to work a lot nicer! It’s also brilliant when you can trust your team and know things are in good hands. The Managed Support customers are also a good bunch of people. I also love the variety of the role and the fact that no two days are the same.
Q: What’s your favourite thing about working at VeryPC?
A: I’d say it’s the people, you really feel part of a good team. You also feel well looked after, we have great social events and the company is also very supportive.
Q: What’s the best concert, sporting event, or live show you’ve ever been to?
A: That’s a hard one! I’ve seen some great bands over the years but some of my favourite gigs have been watching Pulp who are my favourite band of all time. Sports wise I’m always super proud to watch my 12 year old son Jarvis (yes, named after the Pulp singer!) swim for Chesterfield Swimming Club, and it was amazing to watch him compete and win a medal at the East Midlands Regional Championships this year.
Q: Can you tell us something interesting about you that people at VeryPC may not know?
A: In 2012 I jumped off the top of The Stratosphere in Vegas, a 829 foot freefall. I can also juggle!
Q: If you could have dinner with any three people, past or present, who would they be?
A: John Lennon (It’d be interesting to see what he was like), Jarvis Cocker (see earlier answers!) and my dad (he passed away when I was 14).
Q: If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?
A: My favourite city that I’ve visited is New York and I’d go back in an instant, I loved the whole feel of the place, I’m a bit of a foodie too and the food and beer scene there was great. I’d also like to take my family to Florida and do all the theme parks.
Q: When you look back on your time at VeryPC so far, what are you most proud of?
A: I’m most proud of how I’ve progressed from being a Senior Tech to my current role. It’s good to feel like you’re making a contribution and to be recognised for that.
Nicole Scarfe
Nicole has been part of the VeryPC team for nearly nine years, specialising in graphic design, digital assets, product photography and branding. Alongside her creative role, she also leads the company’s social committee and volunteer programme.
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