The back end – as the spine of the system – is where it all starts for Gary and he ensures the application and database communicate properly with each other, meet market needs and deliver an enjoyable and efficient user experience.

He assists Senior DBA Andy Fell on all of the company’s four established databases and is currently developing a fifth one with new scripts and automated site creation. Gary also supports Synergy’s long-term Locator Expert legacy WMS clients like paper giant Essity and KPU in the Netherlands.

He says: “I used to work for Exel Logistics (now part of DHL) who took over margarine storage and distribution for my previous company, Van den Bergh, and Jurgens Purfleet in the late 80’s, on contract to Unilever Best Foods. In 1990, when their warehousing switched from a paper to software system, I got involved client side in the implementation of Synergy’s initial Locator WMS.

“Seven years later and with all that experience, I joined Synergy. My wife-to-be was already working there and I could see it was a great company.

“I’ve enjoyed challenging and rewarding big company experience on the likes of the Fullers and Shimano accounts over the years and really love what I do, plus the people are great to work with and it’s still got that caring family ethos.

“I’m now officially retirement age, but I just don’t want to stop – I enjoy it far too much!”

Gary (age 67) is a proud Essex boy and three daughters from his first marriage still live there. Latterly he has relocated to Derby where he lives with his second wife and their daughter.