About Lakes Computer Consultants Ltd
LCC was started over 30 years ago by Ian Esplin, to provide IT services for local business in the Kendal and Penrith area. We have expanded solely by client recommendation, and now work with a large number of clients throughout the North of England, covering many types of business from accountancy, schools and engineering firms to transport companies and hospitality. Their requirements range from support of a couple of PC’s in an office to 100’s ranged over multiple offices. We are still working with most of our early clients, which we feel gives some idea of the trust and close relationship we have between us.
The breadth of experience we gain from working with such a broad selection of industries gives us the insight to provide unique solutions to our clients IT requirements.
Ian Esplin – Chairman
Ian started the company in 1985 when he saw an opening in the local IT market. Local knowledge was poor, computers were very expensive and problems were not easily corrected. His background as the Operations Manager for the computer system of a large stockbrokers in the City of London has given us the ethos we have today, plan well, check everything, backup and then do the job until it is finished. His hobbies include mountain biking, particularly liking the Scottish highlands, through to being an engineer, making and adapting, well, pretty much anything in his workshop.
Gunn Esplin – MD
After graduating with a micro-electronics degree from Aberdeen University, Gunn worked for a TV production company as DVD developer / IT system support. To further progress his System support knowledge he moved on to work for the IEEE, a much larger organisation with a structured support system. The knowledge and implementation of both the every changing system (bleeding edge!) TV Company through to the structured and planned system at the IEEE gives Gunn a great understanding of different business needs. Gunn has been working with Lakes since 2002. His hobbies include mountain biking around the Lakeland hills through to home DIY.
Matt Smith – Senior Technician
After graduating with an electronic engineering degree from Bangor University, Matt has over 20 years experience in the IT industry, gained while working for a local computer repair store, an ISP and in his current role at Lakes. His experience covers all aspects of IT support, with extensive knowledge of VPN connectivity, wireless networking and HTML. He joined Lakes in 2006 as a support technician. His hobbies include swimming, road cycling and spending time with his two daughters.
Nikki – Administration and Accounts
Nikki has a Degree in Environmental Geology with IT which was studied at St Andrews. After University she took a year out to go travelling to Australia which she loved, working as head of a test mining rig. After coming back to the UK she worked in Lakes with Ian for a couple of years before deciding a more structured role was important which she obtained at Cumbria Police headquarters in Penrith. Whilst there she obtained her Microsoft MCSE certification. In 2010 Nikki re-joined Lakes to take over the administration and accounts whilst also providing back office support. Her experience gained as 3rd line server support and SAN developer has been a great benefit to the company. Nikki has her hands full with her 2 kids but loves walking the fells when she can.