what our staff say

 

Matt, Software Developer (joined 2006)

Q: Did you have much experience for this kind of work?
A: It was certainly like jumping in at the deep end. I had no experience with this programming language so was quite scared. However there is excellent support in place with the developers around you, and you are constantly learning from each other.

Q: Are you kept on a tight reign or allowed to use your own initiative to do your job?
A: Although I would say the management style from the MD and the team leaders is relaxed, with an almost jovial atmosphere, there is the undercurrent of expectancy to get the job done to an exceptional standard. Almost a “work hard, play hard” mentality. You are given timescales to complete the work and are trusted to use your creativity and logic to get it done.

Q: More about the “play hard” ethic…
A: The social side is very good and the company is always organising pub meets, evenings out and even weekend activities.

Q: How does Xibis compare to other places you’ve worked?
A: Xibis fares very well. The people know what they are doing, and we all have a specific role. There are no square pegs in round holes, trying to do something and doing it badly. The constantly changing work is also a huge bonus, and the requirement to keep up with current industry trends makes the work always interesting.

Neil, Systems Analyst (joined 2003)


Q: Are you given a free reign to manage your team?
A: As systems analyst it is left up to me to deliver the customer’s system in the best way I can with my development team. I am given the freedom to manage  but I can always seek input and assistance when I need it.

Q: Are there real opportunities for career progression?
A: With every new project there is a chance to learn something new so there is always scope to progress our knowledge and experience. I initially joined as a developer but as the company grew, was able to take on responsibility for customer projects as a systems analyst. The company is now growing extremely quickly, and there are more opportunities for career progression.

Q: Are you able to use your initiative to change the way things are done?
A: We have regular business meetings to discuss future plans and growth and through these, I have been able to influence the project management process and how our pricing structure operates.

Darren, Head of Development (joined 2001)

Q: As a Xibis “old-timer”, have you had much say in developing the company?
A: I’ve been with Xibis almost since the beginning so have been able to help shape the company. My main contribution has been to help develop Autogen, our automatic code generator which is always being upgraded to include more and more specific functionality for our clients.

Q: In this fast-moving industry where people can move around a lot, why have you stayed with Xibis so long?
A: The challenge of a continually changing workload. I started as a developer and have grown with the company which has been a great experience. There is never just one way of doing things so it’s still all about learning on the job, and trying out new things to get the best result for the customer.

Q: Is there any competition between the developers?
A: Of course! We all like to (and are encouraged) to keep track of the technologies out there so we always try to put something extra in to each project that the client is not expecting. It’s good for the client and it’s good for us as we get the chance to try new things and to show off in front of our colleagues. The best thing is that we all get to learn from each other.

Q: How do you travel to work?
A: I try to cycle most days – apart from when I’m meeting a customer but, even then, we have shower facilities so it’s even a possibility on those days! The company operates the government scheme that means you get your bike half paid for if you cycle to work.

Andy, Systems Analyst (joined 2006)

Q: What is the working environment like?
A: It’s a nice, relaxed, comfortable, friendly, informal culture and there is a great atmosphere. As the work can get quite stressful – especially as deadlines loom - taking breaks is encouraged and we have a basketball hoop in the garden, a kitchen and a break-out area to escape from your desk. On Wednesdays the boss buys everyone lunch and we all convene in the meeting room to chat about anything and everything - it’s a good opportunity to catch up with colleagues not in your immediate team.

Q: How much direction do you have on the projects you manage?
A: I am pretty much left to my own devices to manage my team and run the projects – it’s great to be trusted to get on with your job. Of course there is always support if I need it, from colleagues or Simon (the MD). The developers in my team have a lot of experience in different projects so I can look to them for help in planning the solutions too.

Q: What makes you want to stay with Xibis?
A: The atmosphere, the people, being trusted to do my job and the variety – I always like doing something new that I haven’t done before and there is plenty of that with each customer project.

Jim, Software Developer (joined 2007)

Q: What did you think about the selection process?
A: It is the most involved interview process I’ve been on. Whilst a bit daunting it’s also reassuring to know that Xibis takes recruitment seriously. And you know that if you can do the tests you can do the job.

Q: How much experience did you have for the role?
A: In addition to my degree in computing, I had three years experience, but that was in embedded development so it was completely different. But Xibis takes the view that if you can already program in one language and are intelligent, you can quickly learn another language.

Q: Did you get much training for the job?
A: No doubt about it, it was a steep learning curve. After a comprehensive induction there was a probation period with regular targets and reviews to help get me settled in and up to speed. The best thing was that I was mentored by another team member to whom I addressed any questions I had.

Q: Don’t the bigger cities have more development work to choose from?
A: It’s true there is a lot of work in the UK but mostly in the major cities where the cost of living is high. The pay here is good for the region and the cost of living is lower. I moved up from Bath to work here.

Q: What about the social side?
A: Apart from a nightclub I once worked in, this is about the most social place I’ve ever worked!