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Chris Whyatt

@chris.whyatt

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After 56 years, I’ve decided it’s time to retire from corporate life.

My working life began on 20 April 1970, when I started as a Trainee Computer Operator. I’d decided three years earlier that I wanted a career in computers, inspired largely by Raymond Baxter and Tomorrow’s World. I loved operating computer systems, but it soon became clear to me that the future wasn’t going to be about operators.

So, in 1976, I started Ramphurst, developing software to automate many of the things operators did in what we would now call data centres.

Ten years later, Ramphurst was acquired by Ultracomp, and I stayed until 1996. Those twenty years created some wonderful friendships and memories that have stayed with me ever since. Very special times.

After that came three years with Fujitsu, Tplc — which I loved — and Computacenter. But I missed doing my own thing.

So, in 1999, I started Practical Bid Solutions, which became Get to Great in 2008. Over the next 25-plus years, I had the privilege of working with some great companies, but what I’ll remember most are the people.

I’ve met and worked with so many talented, interesting and thoroughly decent people along the way. Many became friends.

Looking back over those 56 years, one word stands out: trust.

People trusted me with their businesses, their opportunities and their challenges. I never took that trust for granted, and I’m enormously grateful to everyone who put their faith in me and to everyone who joined me on the journey.

So, to colleagues, clients, partners, friends — and everyone who has been part of it — thank you.

Fifty-six years after it all began, it feels like the right time to call it a day.

What comes next? I’m not entirely sure.

And that’s rather nice. I know that it involves my family and Tina Goehler’s family, plus lots of gardening.

It’s been a blast. by @chris.whyatt

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a month ago

Wine and cheese pairing… by @chris.whyatt

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2 months ago

Loving our lives in Macc taken in The Castle Quarter Macclesfield by @chris.whyatt

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2 months ago

If you've not tried this place, it's a must do. taken in Picturedrome Macclesfield by @chris.whyatt

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2 months ago

June, 1955, escaping from Windsor Castle with my first pal giulio barazzetta, on the right obvs. by @chris.whyatt

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2 months ago

This mornings task. Clear this taken in Mobberley by @chris.whyatt

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3 months ago

The bubble has burst for dear old Nigel. by @chris.whyatt

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3 months ago

Threw in a coin and made a wish. by @chris.whyatt

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4 months ago

Celebrating this…

Macclesfield was granted a borough charter by Earl Ranulf III of Chester, in the early 13th century, and a second charter was granted by the future King Edward I, in 1261. taken in Macclesfield by @chris.whyatt

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4 months ago

Started at 8.30, second picture is 10.30. Two hours work and a happy customer. by @chris.whyatt

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4 months ago

Late 1979 (i was 26) or early 1980 with my eldest son. Amazing the pics you find on old cd’s. by @chris.whyatt

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6 months ago

Crook Lane, Winsford has the worst potholes I’ve ever seen. taken in Winsford, Cheshire by @chris.whyatt

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6 months ago