Derek Anstee
Our Driving Force: Meet Derek
IT Operations Support Manager
A 25‑year career dedicated to excellence, teamwork and helping colleagues succeed. From desktop support to group-wide leadership, Derek brings experience and heart.
Behind the Screens: Derek Anstee’s IT Journey
Meet Derek Anstee, Group 1’s IT Operations Support Manager. Working in such a varied role, Derek could be at our Milton Keynes central office coordinating the wide range of tasks his team handles one day, and the next he could be on site visits providing hands-on support where it's needed most.
Derek leads both our IT Support Centre in Maidstone and the IT Field Services Team, that supports the all ongoing projects and IT needs group-wide.
About Derek's career
Derek has worked in IT support for more than 25 years, gaining experience across the finance, recruitment, and property management sectors.
"I began my career in desktop support roles, where I spent around five years building a strong technical foundation before moving into management.
Since then, I’ve led both desktop and field support teams, with most of my career focused on field services. I have only recently moved in to this role, taking on the IT Support Centre in Maidstone in addition to the IT Field Services team.
I am really proud to be part of the Group 1 team, which stands out because of its commitment to excellence, innovation, and people. There is a genuine sense of teamwork and support that flows through every department.”
Some advice for my colleagues, in work and in life…
“One piece of advice I would give to a colleague would be to take pride in the work you do. Every role contributes to something bigger. Whether you're in the field or behind the scenes, your efforts matter. Be proactive, take initiative, and know that your contributions are valued.
In life, focus on what you can control. In high-pressure situations, it helps keep you centred on what matters most.”
Outside of work
Outside of work, Derek is a passionate rock climber and boulderer, regularly training at Big Rock in Milton Keynes two to three times a week. He also enjoy climbing outdoors at various locations across the UK whenever he gets the chance.
“Family is also a huge motivator for me. I love nothing more than spending quality time with my partner and our two dogs, Louie and Bingo, enjoying countryside walks. Knowing that what I do helps provide for and support the people I care about most gives me a real sense of purpose.”
How Derek Supports Group 1
“Colleagues can come to me for anything IT support related. If it’s not something my team or I can resolve directly, I’ll make sure it gets in front of the right people to get it sorted quickly and efficiently.”
At Group 1, we believe our people are our most important asset - the driving force behind everything we do.
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