1. Malcolm Houston
Address: 3 Glenwaters
Ballybofey
Co. Donegal
Contact: (H) 074 9132781
(M) +353 86 0400100 / +44 74 28928979
(E) malcolm.houston@gmail.com
Qualifications
I have an extensive suite of IT Programme management and software qualifications. This includes a
broad range of Microsoft Certified Specialist qualifications, including various Certified Training and
Trainer qualifications. This education and spectrum of qualification builds upon a solid academic
basis, with a number of GCSEs, RSAs and A’ Levels (including Computer Science, Information
Technology and Electronics) obtained at St Malachy’s High School and Antrim Technical College.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
I am a qualified professional with over 15 year’s successful experience in Information Technology
and Communications Technology. My experiences within this remit have covered a spectrum of
responsibilities and achievements, including the completion of Senior Management roles, IT
Consultancy and IT Training. In my current role I design, implement & support an extensive IT
network for over 40 employees, manage an extensive budget, negotiate and work in partnership
with ICT suppliers and actively network with a range of relevant local and national companies and
organisations.
I am a good people manager, motivator and listener, which contributes to my positive work ethic. I
have strong managerial and communication skills, and I’m flexible in both my time management and
team support. Above all, I am enthusiastic and passionate, enjoying new ventures and development
opportunities. My enthusiasm, coupled with my technical abilities, enables me to constantly strive
for success and over-achievement.

2. Employment History
VP McMullin Solicitors – Ballybofey
Large Legal firm cover all aspects of Legal work
IT Manager 2003 – Present
I initially joined VP McMullin Solicitors on a part-time basis to project manage a new computer
installation; however this role quickly increased to a fulltime position. My main responsibility when
fully commencing the role of IT Manager was to implement a new computer system which consisted
of approx 46 PC’s, 3 servers and 12 associated peripherals across three offices. Furthermore, I also
successfully implemented various technologies within the company, including digital scanning and a
digital dictation system, a SQL server based practice case management system and more recently a
new Cisco IP Telephony system across all five offices, centralising the reception to one location. My
current responsibilities include the design, purchase, implementation, training and support of all ICT
requirements throughout the entire company.
My key achievements in this position are:
 Successfully expanding the IT network of VP McMullin
 Implement a Cisco Centralised IP Telephony Solution
 Implementing A SQL based Case Management System
 Provided training to all staff on computer security,
 Developed training plan for staff
 Implemented Anti-Virus, Anti-Spam.
 Implementing a structured approach to IT support to reduce costs
 Project managed the implementation of a new IP based telephony system
 Implemented a Microsoft Systems Management Server
 Introduced a company Intranet
 Implementing an Online backup solution
Freelance IT Trainer and Consultant 2006 - Present
Since qualifying as an IT Trainer in 2006 I have been actively teaching Microsoft Technical and
Applications courses for ‘Sure Skills’ in Belfast and the Institute of Technology in Letterkenny, Co.
Donegal. I have delivered a number of Microsoft Technical courses and have an overall Metrics That
Matter score of 8.8/10 on student evaluations.
I have worked on projects involving various suppliers including Scottish Local Government where I
was employed by Opt2vote/Logica as a Count Centre Manager responsible for the delivery of
electronic ballot paper counting in the Perth Count Centre.
As a freelance IT Consultant, I have used my technical skills to advise clients owning or working for
small to medium businesses on how best to use IT to achieve the company’s aims. I have been
recognised by Microsoft as a Small Business Specialist, and I have completed a number of projects
for the Public Sector in this freelance consultancy role.
I also provide a range of IT services to Not for Profit agencies including hardware & software. I
provide this service free of charge and I am approved Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher.

3. O’Malley Scanlon Insurance Brokers – Ballybofey
Insurance Brokers providing a full range of insurance for all sectors
IT Manager 2002-2003
The role of IT Manager for O’Malley Scanlon Insurance Brokers was secured on a contract basis. I
was commissioned to implement the installation of a new software package specifically designed for
insurance brokers. This involved co-ordinating with software suppliers and hardware suppliers and a
great deal of problem solving to achieve the required end product.
My key achievements in this position were:
 Implementing documents and forms as required by regulatory commitments
 Streamlining the Insurance renewals process
 Introducing web based technologies to enhance the business opportunities
Comps and Comms – Ballybofey
Comps and Comms was a computer retail outlet in Ballybofey.
Partner and General Manager 2000-2002
I was responsible for the day –to - day running of the business as well as repairs, maintenance and
site visits. On a daily basis I worked with customers and suppliers, as well as banks and other
institutions. During my time at Comps and Comms, I was responsible for the replacement of older
computer systems and the installation of new systems for various SME’s in Donegal.
My key achievements in this position were:
 Develop a unique approach to customer relations
 Successful develop the business by introducing emerging technologies
 Developed new business by providing on demand services
O’Kane Foods – Strabane
Wholesale Frozen & Fresh Food Distribution
IT Manager and Dispatch Manager 1996-1999
Initially appointed as Dispatch Manager for O’Kane Foods, my primary responsibilities were to
ensure that orders were complete and despatched on time. I was also responsible for ensuring that
incoming orders were correct.
Whilst successfully undertaking the role of dispatch manager, I was asked to move into the role of IT
Manager. In this role I managed the implementation of a new computer network and systems. Once
in place, I ensured the system in continuously maintained. Due to the scale and multiple locations of
this company I was able to work with a variety of highly qualified IT Managers and specialists, and
this experience provided a solid basis for me to develop my IT skills and abilities.
My key achievements in this position were:
 Introduced a computer based fridge and freezer monitoring system
 Developed and implemented a database driven ordering and stock picking solution
 Streamlined various processes for reduction in customer order shortages

4. Previous employment 1993 – 1996
My early career history includes distribution and management, particularly retail management. The
roles completed in my early career ensured a firm understanding and professional practice of
communication skills, customer service, team building and people management abilities and a
planning and organised approach to work-life.
Interests and Social Activities
I have a wide range of interests which particularly focus around sport, sea safety and wildlife. I am
actively involved in various sporting and social clubs in Donegal, and take a lead responsibility for
organising fundraising events to support the maintenance of these local sporting and social clubs.
I am a qualified diving instructor, and have held a number of positions for the county Sub Aqua Club,
including Regional Diving Officer, Public Relations Officer and Diving Officer. Furthermore, I have
completed training with the Marine Mammal Rescue Service of Ireland and am actively involved in
the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. I am a Lifeboat Sea Safety Officer responsible for a team of 5 sea
safety advisors around Donegal currently also act as the RNLI Lifeboat Education and Visits Officer
for Lough Swilly Lifeboat Station.
Further interests include photography and supporting the local Scout Group.
References & Certifications
Available on request