You cannot seriously want to look at my face so here’s Gaspare’s instead

Gaspare is an ancient, self-willed, obnoxious, ego-centric, greedy cat. Not like me at all.

OK, OK, The Biography

I have been testing software-based systems since 1983 when Ian said to my boss David:

Ian: Look, I’ve asked around and no-one will touch the job with a barge-pole. So we’re stuck with getting in a contractor ...

David: I’ll fix it. I know just the person (into telephone) Peter can you spare me a minute ...

David: Peter, are you sure you can test this thoroughly?

Me (blissfully ignorant): Sure. I can test it to hell and back.

David: Then go away and recruit a team and do just that.

I was very lucky - the organisation was losing money hand over fist because the quality of its systems was so poor. I got whatever I asked for.

David: Peter, how many staff do you need

Me (knowing any estimate I proposed would be reduced by 50% ): I’ll need 5 staff and 5 contractors plus about 6 technicians

David: ‘Sure that’s enough?

Over the years I have recruited and run several test teams and additionally become a TickIT auditor, a process consultant, a business analyst and a Technical Assurance Consultant.

I have worked in aerospace, railways, utilities, media, government, and health systems in Europe, Russia, and Africa.