Gerry Smith This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. Consignia - News Releases

   www.consignia.com/news/expanda - [Cached]

   Published on: 10/29/2002   Last Visited: 10/29/2002

   Gerry Smith, managing director of Consignia's Services Group said: "We will be drawing on the experience of the industry and on Consignia's growing external sourcing expertise to ensure we set up arrangements that will deliver what Consignia requires. "Even at this early stage we have tested the market and initial indications are that a partnership can be constructed to meet both our commercial and operational needs. We'll need to test this rigorously before a final decision is taken."
   
   Some 2000 IT specialists work in-house as part of Consignia's Business Systems unit. The bulk of their work on day-to-day development, deployment and on-going care and maintenance of information systems and technology will transfer to the new undertaking. Employment rights will be protected under TUPE legislation.

2. 2. Strategic IT Sourcing Partnerships

   www.outsourcing-events.com/iqp - [Cached]

   Published on: 5/15/2002   Last Visited: 9/7/2007

   Featuring Keynote Speaker, Gerry Smith, Managing Director, Consignia

3. 3. vnunet.com Consignia to outsource IT

   pcw.vnunet.com/News/1128101 - [Cached]

   Published on: 1/16/2002   Last Visited: 1/16/2002

   The company wants to focus on its own business and leave IT issues to a specialist vendor, says Gerry Smith, managing director of Consignia's services group.
   
   'We would rather buy sorting machines than PCs. This will allow us to invest in our core activities rather than IT. We also believe there is a potential cost benefit, and it's difficult to compete for staff as an internal provider so outsourcing will give us access to new skills in a fast changing market,' he said.
   
   The former Post Office says interested vendors must provide 'clear evidence that they will be capable of managing an operation of this size.' This could limit potential suppliers to major players such as IBM, EDS, and Accenture, but Smith says consortium bids are acceptable.
   
   'There aren't many outsourcers with the muscle to support an outfit like this. We have to look carefully at their track record to make sure we don't come a cropper,' he said.
   
   Consignia wants to set up a joint venture with the successful bidder, and retain a 51% majority stake in a new company set up to run its IT systems, instead of a traditional outsourcing model where the vendor takes over full responsibility.
   
   'A joint venture gives us a continuing level of input and control over the development of the organisation,' said Smith.
   
   The move will also avoid potential employee issues. For example, a full outsource would mean staff leaving the Consignia pension scheme, but transferring to a majority-owned company avoids this, according to Smith. Some 2500 IT staff will be affected by the contract.
   
   Consignia hopes to sign contacts with the chosen supplier in October.
   
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