Sortsy: Looking ahead to the launch
Richard Campbell, co-founder of Sortsy, talks fast-growth, cloud concerns and learning on the job.
Describe your role, including job title, sphere of influence and general tasks:
As a Co-Founder of Sortsy, I am responsible for the day-to-day running and operations of Sortsy, a new, locally-developed app. I tend to spend my time split equally between the office and external meetings with suppliers, stakeholder and suppliers for Sortsy, meaning there’s never a dull moment for me as the app gets closer and closer to launch.
What is the best part of your job?
Seeing a customer’s reaction when you deliver something that will make their working life a lot easier. We’ve tried to develop a service with Sortsy that not only offers consumers quick and easy access to skilled and trusted tradespeople but also helps local businesses market themselves to a wider audience and grow their business through an easy-to-use platform that operates in real time.
What aspect of your job do you find the most challenging?
Growing a small company of three people to a team of 13 in the space of a year. Enjoyable but challenging! Luckily, the Sortsy team has a great dynamic and we have all managed to mesh quite well over a short period of time.
What are the key issues facing your sector at the moment?
Security concerns around ‘the cloud’ and data protection. Too many big players have been either compromised through hacking, or simply had accidental data breaches. Customers need to be reassured their data is safe and secure. This is something that we have kept close to heart while developing Sortsy – it’s important for our customers, both trade and consumers, to feel comfortable using the app.
How is your organisation responding to these issues?
We only use trusted cloud providers who are accredited and have open security policies that are regularly and thoroughly tested.
What is the biggest goal on your agenda for the year ahead?
To launch Sortsy to the Northern Ireland marketplace and provide businesses of all sizes with the ability to trade their services on an app. If we can make it easier for customers to communicate with businesses, and for businesses to respond efficiently and effectively, we have achieved our goal.
If you had to give one piece of business advice, what would it be?
Never be afraid to ask for what you want, but be prepared to explain why.
What work experience and qualifications helped you to get to your position?
I started in the software industry as a ‘summer job’ after finishing school, and luckily was offered to stay on part-time during university. My qualifications helped with the work, but learning on-the-job is what provided the most experience that helped shape my career.
