Few companies can claim the depth of experience that comes from delivering projects across more than 40 countries. Bushey’s journey from humble beginnings to supporting blue-chip clients worldwide is a story of grit, growth, and global adventure. We had the opportunity to speak with Barry Lewington, Director of Bushey about his global journey through Technology projects.
“When asked to reflect on the projects I’ve delivered around the world, I was struck by the sheer scale of countries visited, challenges overcome, and the warm welcomes from local teams that made each trip so memorable. I can see the long term friends, colleagues in each country, like a snapshot photograph. It’s been a journey filled with cultural richness, technical complexity, and the satisfaction of seeing ideas come to life across continents.
So let’s first rewind to the start. “As a junior computer operator fresh out of school, joining a major international bank in London, I couldn’t have imagined the path ahead. Back then, IT was still finding its feet, no one foresaw the explosion of technologies we now take for granted. Those early days were filled with floppy disks, dial-up modems, and the occasional panic when someone accidentally switched off one of the servers.
“My early years in IT operations led to managing Data Centre operations for a large manufacturing firm. That opened the door to building a network team, first for the UK, then expanding to oversee European telecom operations, 76 facilities (factories, warehouses and offices) across 26 countries. With an American parent company, transatlantic trips became routine, culminating in the rollout of one of the largest private global data networks outside the US military. It was a major success, linking services between Europe and the US, and setting a new benchmark for global connectivity.
“In just five years, I’d delivered projects across most of EMEA (sorry Oslo, you’re still on the list!). This was pre-Internet boom, 2Mbs point-to-point circuits were cutting-edge, and PABX ruled the telephony world. Weekly flights across Europe became the norm, standardising services and delivering internal tech consulting. It was a whirlwind of airports, taxis, hotel lobbies, and whiteboard sessions.
“Then came a major global takeover, the largest that year, and with it, mass redundancies. That chapter closed, but the adventure continued. I joined a UK ISP, later a Scottish telco, and then an American Data Centre and Internet provider rolling out internet services across Europe and building a commercial colocation Data Centre in London. It was a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, and we thrived on the challenge.
“Next came consultancy work in the City of London, attracting global clients and delivering projects across European capitals. Africa was offered, but Angola’s challenges weren’t for me! I’ve always believed in choosing projects where I can make the biggest impact, and sometimes that means knowing when to say no.
“In 2013, just as we were about to build two state of the art Data Centres for zero capital investment in northern England, the credit crisis hit. Back in the office again in London and out of the blue came Asia. Firstly Hong Kong, then Singapore, and eventually Australia, supporting global organisations across 12 Asian countries. The vibrancy of Hong Kong, the efficiency of Singapore, and the laid-back professionalism of Australia all added new dimensions to our work.
“Today, remote access and virtual collaboration make global delivery seamless. Our meetings span five countries, yet, feel like one room. The technology may have evolved, but the warmth of each country’s welcome remains unchanged. Whether it’s a handshake in Shanghai, a coffee in Dubai, or a rooftop dinner in Barcelona, the human connection is what makes global work truly rewarding.
“One of the most memorable recent projects took us from Australia to Iceland, almost the antipode of Sydney. Logistics were challenging, time zones even more so, and the timing couldn’t have been trickier: two weeks of snow and an erupting volcano. The biggest question wasn’t whether we could deliver the project, it was whether we could get in and out of the country!
“Through it all, the key to success has been cultural appreciation. Understanding local customs, respecting traditions, and engaging teams with empathy ensures that everyone feels valued. We even have briefing guides for newcomers, helping them navigate cultural nuances and avoid common pitfalls. It’s not just about what you say, when, and to whom you say it, it’s also how you conduct yourself.
“Today, with a wealth of expertise, sound tooling and processes, and a team that thrives on complexity, Bushey is well placed to assist organisations in delivering multi-country projects. Programmes involving seven or eight countries at a time have become the norm. The world is smaller, the technology smarter, and the opportunities greater than ever.
“If you’re facing the challenge of delivering across borders, reach out. We’ve probably already been there, unless, of course, you’ve got Angola on the list.”
Comments are closed