Matt

Lead Developer, Edinburgh

Initially, I studied for an MPhys in Applied Physics and then an MSc in Management. Programming was originally just a hobby and then a summer job. Having found I had a certain amount of aptitude and was enjoying what I was doing, I took the decision to pursue a career in software engineering. I've worked for various companies in the last 11 years, primarily using J2EE and Oracle, with focus on middle and back-end tiers, although I can turn my hand to front end work, having completed a few Ajax projects with Scott Logic recently.

I joined Scott Logic in April 2007 as one of the first two employees in Edinburgh. Helping start the new office could have been intimidating, as not only was I involved in setting up infrastructure, building the team and learning how Scott Logic did business, I was also 50% of the initial team proving our worth to clients. However, we got fantastic support from the Newcastle teams and Gary Scott has a clear idea of how to make his business work. Now, nine months later, we have eight solid individuals here in Edinburgh and a good relationship with our clients, for whom we're making a positive contribution.

From my experience, many IT firms pay lip service to phrases like "our people are our greatest asset" and "we expect high quality". At Scott Logic, reality has actually reflected rhetoric. There is a sound, profitable business model. We hire good people. We tackle tough technical challenges. We still retain a good work/life balance. It starts with the interview process, where we ensure candidates are not only technically able, but can also fit into the existing team. We're keen to feel that we are right for them, as much as them being right for us.

I work in Edinburgh out of choice. It is a thriving capital city with all the trappings of a big city, geographically well placed for travel, but small enough such that you can always see the Castle, the coast, a hill, or often all three. I also dislike long commutes, so our town-house office in EH1 means I can walk or cycle to work.

Scott Logic is the fifth firm I have worked for and, whilst no job is perfect, Scott Logic is the first that has an overall balance. What sums up Scott Logic for me is that when asked a question by a candidate during in an interview, the culture is such that I know I can answer honestly, and I can honestly answer that I enjoy being here.