7 Layer is all about promotion

Date: Oct 2009

Thus we are not only delighted to congratulate Carl Abrahams for his new appointment to Team Leader, we must also congratulate Tom for achieving his ISEB intermediate certificate and Peter for becoming this month’s star performer.

Team Leader

An impressive history of working for Sungard, Birmingham Midshires, Lloyds TSB, NZI Bank and KPMG means Carl is more than qualified and experienced to head up a developer team. He has certainly developed the necessary acumen to enable him to oversee the Commercial Retail team. A keen sailor, when he’s not at the helm of a 35ft yacht and captain of the waves, Carl enjoys nothing better than indulging in a little reiki to counterbalance his emotional well being. He has also thrown himself out of a few planes during his stint in the TA and, in stark contrast to the healing powers of reiki and natural health, he still expresses his passion for the fast life through a love of Formula 1. It wouldn’t be a 7 Layer biography if we neglected to mention his predilection for rubber… but by that we are merely eluding to an affinity with wetsuits and rubber rings when enjoying any form of aquatic activity!

Carl comments on his new appointment; ‘Experienced in managing extensive teams in the past where I was happy to juggle challenging IT projects that span global borders, I was delighted to secure this internal promotion. I embrace the challenges the role brings and intend to be an inspiration to my fellow team members and a highly influential member of the management team.’

ISEB

The Intermediate Certificate in Software Testing examination is suitable for those who are engaged in any aspect of software testing and is the next level of competency in software testing after foundation level. Having successfully achieved foundation level in 2003, Tom felt he needed to advance to the next level. The topics covered are those which are considered to be essential knowledge for an advanced level test professional, regardless of their specialism (i.e. Test Analysis or Test Management). A pass in this certificate provides evidence that the candidate has proven analytical ability, having gained knowledge and practical skills in the key topics required for practicing software testing. Tom now has aspirations to improve his capability even further and this certificate is a prerequisite for candidates who wish to sit either of the ISEB practitioner level exams in software testing.

Star Performer

The Star performer award is an accolade and recognition scheme initiated for exceptional individual performance.  Staff nominate their colleagues and anyone in the company can suggest a worthy recipient with nominations substantiated via a brief justification. Judging is conducted by the management team. The winner receives a £25 dinner voucher to be used as and when they wish at any venue of your choice, a mug shot in a frame in the kitchen and a slide dedicated to them in the scrolling company presentation all visitors to our office see when they enter our reception area. We even send out a quick twitter blast as well! Peter Davies is this month’s worthy winner for outstanding UI design on an application completed recently for ICS called Note Quality Assessment (NQA).  NQA provides a tool to assess, review and analyse the quality of paper and polymer notes in circulation to better understand how real use affects the degradation of notes

“We feel so strongly about staff motivation that for a number of years we have presented awards at our annual company presentation. The nomination categories have both a very serious and fun element, but they are designed to add value to the working environment. Prizes are always very well received, individual recognition is much appreciated and it all just helps to enforce one of our core management values on the importance of staff satisfaction.’ says Managing Director, Lee Maisner.