Hi all đź‘‹
This month, we’re delighted to shine the spotlight on @rhughes Head of IT at Consensus Support.
As Head of IT, Rhys’ role spans everything from getting the fundamentals right through to leading wider digital transformation. His focus is on making sure IT genuinely enables the business to move forward, rather than getting in the way.
Within the Advania Community, Rhys has been an engaged contributor from the beginning, joining our Customer Advisory Board, adding his voice to existing discussions and asking to the wider community.
We’re thrilled to have Rhys as part of the Advania Community and to see him sharing insights grounded in real-world experience. He kindly joined us for a quick Q&A to tell us more about his role and the advice he’d share with others.
👇 Read on to get to know Rhys a little better.
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1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your role.
I’m Rhys, Head of IT. My role covers everything from getting the basics right (reliable infrastructure, connectivity, and security) through to leading wider digital transformation. I focus on making sure IT is stable, modern, and actually enables the business to move forward.
2. What’s your favourite part of your work?
Making IT simple and useful for everyone. I really enjoy taking the friction out of day-to-day work, whether that’s for our staff or the people we support, and turning IT into a strategic partner that helps the organisation do what it’s here to do. When technology quietly improves someone’s day instead of getting in the way, that’s a win for me.
3. How does Advania support your goals?
Advania is a key partner for me. They help coordinate our wider service providers, support us through complex projects, and make sure we get the right hardware at a really competitive price point. Just as importantly, the human support is excellent - our account managers are always approachable, responsive, and there when IÂ need them.
4. Can you share a project or achievement you’re proud of?
When I joined the business, it was clear that digital transformation couldn’t succeed without first fixing the basics. Across 110 sites, connectivity and infrastructure had to be reliable, consistent, and treated as essential - the “fourth utility”, just like gas, water, and electricity.
By rebuilding those foundations at scale, we gave the organisation the stability it needed to modernise properly. Once the basics worked, everything else followed: new systems landed, teams trusted the tech, and digital change became possible rather than frustrating.
5. What’s one tip or insight you’d share with other community members?
Really know your customers, and don’t make assumptions on their behalf. Spend time listening, asking questions, and understanding how they actually work day to day. Open, honest communication builds trust, and once that trust is there, change becomes much easier and far more likely to succeed.
6. When you’re not working, what do you love to do?
When I’m not working, I’m usually planning the next holiday, getting lost in a good book, or playing a game - board games, video games, anything that lets me switch my brain off and recharge. I like having something to look forward to and something creative to escape into.
7. Quickfire fun:
Favourite tech tool or app right now? Microsoft Planner Premium
Go-to productivity hack? An AI agent as my personal assistant
First job you ever had? Office junior at an insolvency firm (a long way from here!)
Big thanks to Rhys for sharing with us đź‘Ź
If you’d like to be in the spotlight one day, the way is simple: get involved, share your insights, and engage with others here in the Community 🚀
