‘It was a blast!’ EE/BT veteran Alan Dickson set to depart with Retail IT Refresh project close to completion
Alan Dickson has announced that he will leave EE/BT later this year.
Dickson, who currently holds the position of Principal Technology Partner for Retail, said in a LInkedIn post: “With mixed emotions it is time to say that after 23 years, I will officially be leaving EE/BT at the end of September this year.”
“From the call centre floor as a team manager, to now being responsible for the technology delivery to 400+ retail stores and 4,000+ guides.”
“What a journey, the highs and lows too many to count. The experiences and opportunities I will be forever grateful for. Trips around the world to places I would likely never have visited including Slovakia, India and The Philippines.”
He added: “But it’s all about the people, the people who filled my inbox, various chat tools and calendar every day, the probably, thousands of people I’ve worked with over the years who made the journey that little bit brighter. And all the laughs we shared on the way!”
“To everyone in Greenock call centre but especially those who sat in the front corner of the building (if you know, you know), some briefly, others for the whole time, my home from home for so long, it was a blast!”
“To my current Retail team, you are all legends, keep doing what you do. And to everyone involved in getting our Retail IT Refresh project so close to completion, thank you all, your brains, drive and determination is making this the success we all knew it would be.”
Dickson concluded by stating that the search for new opportunities starts now.
Aptos
EE is introducing a new cloud-based PoS solution from Aptos in its retail stores. The aim is to enhance customer engagement capabilities and reduce the IT infrastructure footprint in each store.
Following a six week pilot across 15 locations, the software is being rolled out to EE’s more than 400 stores across the UK.
As part of the IT refresh across its retail estate, EE has upgraded to a newer version of Aptos’ PoS solution, delivered via SaaS, which will run on mobile devices that its employees can use throughout the store.
They will be able to complete all sales, service and operational processes from a single device, instead of multiple devices for different tasks.
EE has also removed fixed tills from each of its stores, allowing staff to have more personal conversations with shoppers, while also helping to reduce any potential congestion and queues.
Following the launch of its flagship EE Studio in Westfield London, White City, in June 2023 and subsequent Experience stores, EE recently revealed plans to open more than ten Experience and Experience Local stores across the UK between April 2024 and March 2025.
Featuring curated ‘experience zones’ and ‘room sets’, each one demonstrates how cutting-edge technology and connectivity enhances consumers’ everyday lives, while also serving as a hub for the local community to work, learn and play.
Asif Aziz, Retail Director at EE, says: “We’re reinventing the role of retail in the telco industry by putting customer experience, innovation and community front and centre. Reflective of our investments in digital transformation, we are embracing store formats that blend physical and digital experiences.”
“With our modern approach to bricks-and-mortar, we knew we had to rethink the in-store shopper journey and the tools that enable it. Aptos was the right PoS partner to bring our vision to life.”
“Our IT modernisation efforts have been very well-received by our guides and they are now able to spend even more time focusing on the needs of our customers.”
Zaki Hassan, General Manager for EMEA and APAC at Aptos, comments: “EE stores have transcended far beyond a traditional phone shop.”
“Its investment in innovative experiences on the high street should be admired and applauded. If you want to see the future of retail, simply step into EE’s Studio and Experience stores. We are delighted to have Aptos’ PoS being rolled out across the EE retail estate.”
2023 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
EE emerged victorious at the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards, picking up the Editor’s Choice gong for its investment in its physical stores.
Our 2023 winners were revealed at a fantastic awards ceremony, which took place at the Barbican Centre in central London.
The event was held on Wednesday, 29th November, maintaining its popular evening format, with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a Christmas themed three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.
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