Meet Allan Merritt

Meet Allan Merritt, our CEO!

Starting his career as a developer (just don’t ask him to code these days) to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Allan certainly knows how to lead tech companies. And, for ten years, Allan has been leading and inspiring the team at Arnlea and has seen the company go from strength to strength.

To get to know Allan a little better, check out our interview below…

1. What’s your career background?

I have always worked in Tech in the Energy sector and began my career as a developer – although I couldn’t write a line of code now! It was always a big ambition of mine to start my own software business - so I chased my dream and haven’t looked back ever since.

2. Why tech?

After majoring in Accountancy at university, I soon realised I didn’t want to be an Accountant! I preferred something more adventurous, and having enjoyed tech at Uni, I knew it would be an exciting, fast-changing sector to work in.

3. Tell us about your team.

The makeup of my team sets the culture of the business, and I would best describe them as honest, hardworking, good communicators and a lot of fun!

4. What is the most inspiring part of your job?

It’s hard to pinpoint, so I’ll narrow it down and give you my top three! Firstly, happy staff. Staff form the foundations of any business, so if you can keep them happy and satisfied in their roles, you are on to a winner. Secondly, happy customers. Successfully delivering and rolling out our software to clients and then seeing how our cloud software transforms their businesses is incredibly rewarding as it reaffirms that what we are doing works. And finally, winning work (anyone would be lying if they didn’t say this).

5. What has been your biggest challenge over the years?

Turning businesses around whilst coming out of an oil downturn. It took hard work, a lot of belief and, most importantly, a solid team effort!

6. What has been your biggest achievement over the years?

Starting and growing tech businesses has been incredibly rewarding. But helping create jobs and allowing people to develop and flourish in those jobs is equally, if not more, rewarding.

7. What can we expect to see in the next 12 months from Arnlea?

Not too long ago, we transitioned Nexar from an on-premise solution to a cloud-based solution. A lot of time has been spent in the background making that happen. So, in the next 12 months, we will see Nexar take off worldwide and see Arnlea become a true SaaS business.

8. Finally, how do you unwind, and what do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I love having family time and walking the dogs; getting fresh air always relaxes me. I also enjoy keeping active; whether swimming or cycling, I always find myself on the go. Although I’m too old to play now (dodgy knees), I’m also a big football fan, so I will watch it on the TV, especially when Aberdeen are playing - go Dons!