We sat down with Head of IT and Information Security, Steven Peacock, to learn why he chose Nimble to grow his tech career.
What attracted you to Nimble?
I’ve always had a curiosity about software development. Early in my career, I employed a contractor to build a system for my own business, and that experience planted a seed. I wanted to work closer to that world, and Nimble gave me the chance to do exactly that. Even though my role is in IT Operations, being embedded in a software consultancy means I’m constantly learning about how development teams work, the tools they use, and the challenges they face.
Beyond that, Nimble just felt different. Coming from established manufacturing industries where things could be quite regimented and set in their ways, the culture here was a breath of fresh air – youthful, dynamic, and open to new ideas. It also helped that I already knew the former CFO from my time in manufacturing, which gave me confidence that it was the right kind of organisation to join.
What’s an average day at Nimble for you?
Honestly, I’m not sure I’ve had an “average” day yet – and I mean that in the best way. In almost four years at Nimble, the landscape has shifted constantly. When I joined, the business was in a phase of rapid growth and really disrupting the sector. For the majority of that time, I was a one-person IT Ops department and wore every hat going: certified DPO, lead on ISO and Cyber Essentials Plus recertifications, supporting due diligence exercises, and RFPs.
This past year has been a turning point. I brought in my first IT Ops recruit, which has allowed me to shift from being purely reactive to thinking more strategically about where we need to go. Right now, a lot of my focus is on migrating and modernising our IT Ops systems, building an effective team, and helping the wider business get the best out of the platforms we have available. Since our new CEO, Matt, joined in January, there’s been a growing sense of direction and momentum. I’m excited about what the next chapter looks like.
What’s your favourite thing about working for Nimble?
The culture, without question. Nimble puts its people at the centre of everything it does. Like any business, there are tough decisions to make, but in my experience, Nimble consistently handles them with its people in mind. People are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, barriers are broken down so everyone feels they have a voice, and there’s a real sense of empowerment that runs through the organisation. What makes it special is that it’s not just top-down, it’s grassroots. Colleagues look out for each other, and that’s something you can’t manufacture. Coming from more traditional industries, it’s not something I take for granted.
What’s your favourite benefit that we offer?
The Learning & Development budget, hands down. As someone with a massive curiosity streak and a love of technology, I’ve used every penny of the £2,000 annual allowance to better myself in ways that benefit both me and the business. It’s helped me become a Certified DPO, gain my IOSH Health & Safety management qualification, and right now I’m channelling it into continuously developing my AI skills and experience. It’s a benefit that shows Nimble is genuinely committed to personal growth, not just talking about it.
How has Nimble helped you grow in your career?
I’ve had three significant career changes over the years, including running my own business over a decade ago. When I made my most recent switch into IT, I started at the bottom in Ops support and worked my way up to Service Delivery Manager before joining Nimble as Head of IT and Information Security. While I wasn’t new to the commercial world, each change has felt like starting over in its own way.
What Nimble gave me was the space to bring all of that accumulated experience together and apply it to something new. I was trusted and empowered to take ownership of the direction, particularly in compliance, without being micromanaged or second-guessed. More recently, I’ve undertaken a mentorship through Sheffield Digital, who paired me with an incredible mentor, and that’s been a real accelerator. Nimble has helped my confidence grow, not just in what I know, but in backing myself to take on new challenges.
What advice would you give recent hires?
Don’t be afraid to open up. Nimble is full of amazing people who will take the time to support you, whether that’s professional advice or just someone to lean on. The culture here only works because people invest in each other, so don’t hold back. Get involved, ask questions, and let people in.
What brings you joy outside work?
Where do I start? Sitting still certainly isn’t one of my hobbies. I love spending time with my young family, whether that’s at our holiday lodge or out exploring with the touring caravan. And if you haven’t already guessed, I’m a complete tech enthusiast and I’ll use any excuse to buy or learn the latest tech. Right now, that passion is firmly focused on AI. I’m building my own inference servers at home and developing agentic platforms that can carry out various tasks autonomously. It’s the kind of thing that blurs the line between hobby and obsession, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
