Expert IT Services

Optimising IT Infrastructure for over 20 Years. Specialising in ITAM.

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About Phil Purnell

From Complexity to Calm

I have worked in technology for over 20 years and I have learned one specific truth. Technology that isn't managed properly doesn't just cost money. It costs time and it creates stress.

My career started in general IT but I quickly realised my strength wasn't just in fixing computers. It was in fixing the systems behind them. I found that I had a natural ability to look at a messy estate of software and see the patterns that others missed.

This led me to Software Asset Management (SAM).

For the last four years I have focused entirely on answering three questions for businesses:

  • βœ“ What do we have?
  • βœ“ Is it safe?
  • βœ“ Do we actually need it?

My Philosophy: Kaizen

I view my role through the lens of Kaizen which is the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement. I do not believe in improved efficiency through sudden drastic cuts. I believe in making small intelligent changes every day that compound into massive results.

Whether it is automating a simple update or removing a risky piece of software my goal is always the same. I want to simplify the complexity so that the end users around me can do their best work without IT getting in their way.

I am an Advocate for them. I sit between the rigid rules of compliance and the messy reality of human behaviour to find a solution that works for everyone.

My Edge: Pattern Recognition

I am neurodivergent and I view this as my greatest professional asset.

My brain is wired for Pattern Recognition. Where others see a spreadsheet of 5,000 confusing rows I see the anomalies and the risks instantly. I have the ability to Hyper-focus on complex data sets until the problem is solved.

This allows me to bring order to chaos in a way that standard processes often miss. It also makes me deeply empathetic to the user experience. I know how frustrating it is when technology interrupts your flow so I fight hard to ensure my IT processes are quiet, seamless, and helpful.

Career Timeline

2022 - Present

Senior SAM/ITAM Lead

Leading SAM strategies for enterprise clients. Delivering cost savings through licence optimisation and aligning ITAM with Security Operations for CE+ readiness.

2019 - 2022

Service Desk Manager

Service Transformation: Spearheaded Jira Service Desk implementation. Integrated ITSM best practices, improved response times and reduced ticket escalations by 20%.

Knowledge Management: Designed comprehensive knowledge bases and onboarding frameworks. Reduced repeat support requests by 30% and ensured seamless employee transitions.

2015 - 2019

Senior Support

Focused on fixing the friction between the user and the technology.

Security Infrastructure: Managed critical security enhancements including the rollout of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and endpoint protection solutions.

Automation: Developed PowerShell scripts to automate routine infrastructure tasks which improved efficiency and reduced human error.

2000 - 2015

Early Career in IT Services

Foundational roles in technical support, system administration, and network management. Built the core knowledge of IT infrastructure that underpins my current Asset Management expertise.

Building Your Asset Management Function

Starting from scratch? It's just not about buying a tool, it's about building a culture. Here is the proven 4-phase roadmap I use to take organisations from chaos to compliance.

01

Define Roles & Responsibilities

Ownership is everything. Before we look at software, we look at people. I help you explicitly define who is responsible for what:

  • IT Function: Risk profiling & cost optimization.
  • Business Owners: Commercial sign-off.
  • Tech Leads: Implementation & validation.
  • Subject Matter Experts: The people who know the software.

Without this foundation, no tool can save you.

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Accountability Matrix

02

Establish Core Processes

Don't let software enter your estate without a path. Build robust JML (Joiners, Movers, Leavers) processes to ensure:

  • Procurement: No "Shadow IT" purchases.
  • Leavers: Immediate license harvesting when staff exit.
  • Lifecycle: A clear plan from Deploy to Retire.
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The Lifecycle Loop

03

The Source of Truth

Move away from spreadsheets. Implement centralized tools like ServiceNow, Snow, or a structured CMDB to create a single, accurate view of:

  • Cloud Licenses (M365, Adobe)
  • On-Premise Legacy Apps
  • Hardware Assets (ECU)

Then run monthly internal audits to match Entitlement (what you bought) vs. Deployment (what you use).

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Centralized Data

04

Risk & Compliance (CE+)

The payoff. With an accurate inventory, you can now drive the security metrics that matter:

  • Patching: You know what to patch because you know what you have.
  • Unauthorized Software: Detected and removed instantly.
  • Certifications: Breeze through Cyber Essentials Plus audits.
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Audit Ready

What Clients & Colleagues Say

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"Phil is more than a licence manager, I believe he is a vital strategic asset. He helps make any company smarter, faster decisions... Phil’s role is not just valuable – it’s essential."

Yalda Majdabadi

Senior Account Manager, Causeway
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"His understanding of software systems and licensing was truly comprehensive... Furthermore, his commercial knowledge was a significant asset... negotiating favorable terms."

Joshua Dickerson

Deetu
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"Exceptionally competent in managing a comprehensive portfolio... His analytical skills have been pivotal in optimising software usage... resulting in substantial cost savings."

Iwan Lloyd-Smith

Director, BWB Consulting
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"I’ve seen firsthand how he managed a portfolio of over 150 software... His contributions to automation and AI have also stood out... driven by a genuine passion for continuous improvement."

Mohsen Heidari

Systems Manager
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"Working with him has significantly improved the vendor review process... ensuring that software renewals happen in a timely manner. This has not only streamlined operations but also provided us with better insights."

Nick Burley

Account Director, FluidOne

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