Qnet Group Ltd

French Connection

May 9 2007

Qnet Group Ltd, an IT and Communications provider based in Stockton on Tees, are currently taking part in the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). The KTP is ran by the Department of Trade and Industry, (DTI), whichwas set up to enable UK businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills that reside within the UK knowledge base. This is achieved by transferring the skills and knowledge of pre or recent graduates from academic institutions to local business across the UK.

Through this scheme Qnet has recently acquired the services of two students from France who are in the UK as part of the Erasmus student exchange programme at the University of Teesside. Rodrigo Ruiz-Amadi (23) and Pierre Lamoure (21), both in their 2nd year of study for their D.U.T. qualifications in Computer Sciences (Diplôme Universitaire de Technologie): The DUT is a two-year higher diploma course in technology at an IUT (Institut Universitaire de Technologie), were given a placement in the Qnet Software department of the Qnet Group under the supervision of Simon Scotchbrook, MD of Qnet Group Ltd.

Rodrigo, who is originally from Brazil but has been living in Paris for over 5 years says he decided to follow a career in IT because of his love for programming and developing software. "There are no limits to what can be achieved and created when it comes to programming." says Rodrigo, "The only limitations are personal ones and these are what I endeavour to push back. I came over here to practice my English and gain valuable industry experience as well as doing some sight seeing and socialising. I like England, the weather is a bit breezy but it's not too bad, the food is a bit heavy and not as healthy as I'm used to, I've mostly been living on junk food" he says smiling. "The main differences for me is obviously the language but I find speaking English easier than French."

When asked how it has been working for the Qnet Group he says "I am enjoying it so far, there is a nice relaxed working environment and working alongside professional developers is a good way to gain experience. I am glad to be working on an actual project that has some significance rather than spending my time over here studying at the University. When my time in the UK comes to an end I hope to finish off my studies in France and hopefully go on to do a Masters Degree."

Pierre, a resident of Roanne close to Lyon, says he has always been interested in IT, Technology and the Internet since he was young and decided he would like to make a career out of it. "The D.U.T. course I am on covers a wide area of IT and Information Sciences. As well as studying computer languages like Java, CSS and SQL we also study Marketing, Mathematics and a foreign language too."

"I visited the UK a number of years ago when I was a child and had fond memories of the trip so when I had the opportunity to come back over here and study I jumped at the chance thinking that the experience I gain will be invaluable to my future and it will also look good on my CV. I am enjoying it so far and apart from the food the main difference I have noticed is the price of things over here, it's more expensive."

"I like building applications" says Pierre who is currently working on building a Sharepoint Site for Qnet Software, "so I am glad to be involved with the KTP and working for a company like Qnet. When I return home I will hopefully finish my studies and get my diploma and then I am looking to get some work experience in the IT department of a French bank."

"Its always good to get fresh input into the company" says Simon Scotchbrook, the KTP Chairman for Qnet "Having Rodrigo and Pierre working with us for a few months has been an interesting and rewarding affair. One of the major projects we are currently working on at Qnet Software is integrating our suppliers into Click2Qnet.com, our online shop. We are developing a process to automate Click2Qnet sales orders which will automatically update in Sage, this will then be used by our customer services department to track and process sales orders more efficiently seeing as the process is currently done by manual input into spreadsheets. The main objective of the project is to develop company systems and turn the Click2Qnet online shop into a virtual reseller, integrating all systems which should then help to diversify our company income streams."