Darren joined the Highstream team in July 2025 as an IT Support Technician. Working alongside Alan, Darren’s role is to support the day to day needs of our customers, responding to incidents and requests that affect how our customers work.
What’s your aim in this role?
There are 2 questions I like to ask when it comes to supporting IT services for our customers – does the technology meet their needs and do people know how to use it.
My experience in technology has highlighted that it can be overly complicated and doesn’t always do what people need it to. If I can help understand a customers needs, translate the ‘techy talk’ to something meaningful, and help implement simple solutions then I feel like I’m doing my job well.
What did you do before joining Highstream?
I’ve done a number of different things before joining the team. Recent roles have involved digital marketing and delivering digital training to young people. As well as enjoying the people aspects, I’ve learnt a lot about how important it is to hone a message when delivering services so customers understand what they’re getting and why.
I also helped set up a community interest company in Saltney Ferry. Being involved in a fantastic community project was a shift from my previous experience and it’s really helped shape me as a person. Alongside local residents and existing community groups, we created a cafe and community space for people to join in with activities and re-connect after the stresses and isolation of the Covid times in 2020/21. The Old Chapel cafe is still running and serving great food and coffee if you’re ever in the area.
What would you like to change about technology?
That’s an interesting question. Technology changes so often that it can be difficult for business owners to keep pace, or to know what they should spend their time looking at as a solution. I think I’d like to see simpler, and less expensive, technology options which cater for the majority of customers. I should be careful though as this might put me out of a job!
What do Highstream do well for its customers?
When I joined Highstream, one thing really stood out for me and that is epitomised by the phrase the managing director (Paul) always uses when we ask a question – ‘If you do the right thing for the customer then you’ve done the right thing’.
I’m sure there are plenty of service companies that look for quick financial gain and forget who they’re meant to serve. I’ve felt like the ethos has matched my own which makes working here really satisfying and enjoyable.
