So why does Alan call me the scientist?

It’s probably because I studied engineering at school and I look at things logically and won’t rest until I’ve achieved what’s needed.

I love analysis and statistics.

I think it started when Alan was showing me how to use a live website builder, and I told him I could see the builder was making changes to the site code and I really wanted to see what it was doing.

So the reason I didn’t realise I was going to be working for ASDNE is my placement was actually for CCS Products, one of Alan’s other businesses at the time, helping press mugs and coasters, pack orders etc. But when I started, I found out there was also North East Gifts, MyMerch and AS Design all in the same unit. So from day one my new job became quite complicated, very varied, but I liked that.

I’d already started teaching myself code and web skills in my spare time, so having ASDNE as part of my job was really what I loved them most.

So three months into my placement, Alan offered me a two year progression plan that involved me becoming full time in ASDNE. That happened and it flew by so we extended it to five. As we work on this new site we’re taking about ten years being the next milestone.

Alan calls this OUR business and it feels like I’m part of it, in a career not just a role or a job.

We launched a secondary business together which gave me the chance to learn more about business, taxes etc and get a feel for being in control of your own destiny.

So today, my ‘job’ is massively different to February 2022. But then it’s also different to February 2023, 2024 and 2025.

In fact, I’m writing this in May 2026 and already the role, the business, and we as a team are evolving again.