Meet the team: Get to know Elliott, Project Implementation Manager

Meet Elliott Barnaby-Taylor, our Project Implementation Manager responsible for overseeing every customer project from initial discovery through to implementation, go-live and handover.

PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS:

1) Can you tell us a bit about your role as Project Implementation Manager and what a typical day looks like?

As Project Implementation Manager at Langdon, I’m responsible for overseeing customer projects from initial discovery through to implementation, go live and handover. That includes understanding each customer’s operation, gathering requirements, coordinating internal teams, managing timelines, and making sure we deliver a solution that works both operationally and compliantly.

Alongside customer implementations, I also lead internal improvement projects focused on making the business work more effectively. These tend to look at how we can improve visibility, planning, communication, and delivery across teams, so there’s a nice balance in the role between delivering for customers and helping improve the way we operate internally.

A typical day can vary quite a bit, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role. I might be leading customer meetings, helping scope new requirements, building project plans, coordinating with development and product teams, or supporting customers through key stages such as testing, training, and go live. On other days, I could be focusing on process improvement work, looking at ways to streamline how we manage projects and workload across the business.

What I enjoy most is that the role sits across both the technical and operational sides of the business, and gives me the chance to contribute not just to successful customer delivery, but also to continuous improvement within Langdon itself.

2) What attracted you to join Langdon?

A big part of what attracted me to Langdon was the move to the North, as I’ve got a lot of friends here and wanted to base myself in this part of the country.

I was also keen to join a business that felt very different to the large corporate environment I’d worked in before. What stood out about Langdon was how close-knit the company is and how much opportunity there is to make a real impact, take ownership, and see the value of your work.

3) What has surprised you most since joining Langdon?

Probably the level of support across the business. Even though everyone is busy, people are always willing to make time for each other, share knowledge, and help when needed. It’s a really close-knit team, and that creates a culture where you feel trusted, supported, and able to grow in the role quickly. On top of that, the amount of ownership and variety you get in a smaller business has been a really positive surprise too.

4) What does success look like for you when implementing a new project or client solution?

For me, success is delivering a solution that works well for the customer day to day, not just on paper. That means understanding their operation properly, keeping the project on track, and making sure the end result is practical, compliant, and sustainable.

It’s also about building confidence throughout the process, so the customer feels supported from discovery through to go-live and handover. If the solution lands well and the customer feels confident using it, that’s a successful project.

5) Can you share an example of a project you are particularly proud of?

A project I’m particularly proud of is Selective Marketplace, as it was the first project I led fully end to end. It gave me the opportunity to take ownership from discovery through to implementation, go live, and handover, and it was a really important milestone for me in the role.

At the same time, we’ve got some really exciting projects underway now, particularly The Very Group, which is due to go live soon. It’s a major project for the business and includes some great new functionality around Irish returns, so that’s another one I’m really looking forward to seeing come to life.

6) How does your work help support our clients and improve their experience with customs and compliance?

My role is really about helping clients make customs and compliance processes feel more manageable. That starts with understanding how their operation works, then making sure the solution we implement fits that in a way that is practical, compliant, and easy to use day to day.

A big part of that is giving clients confidence. Whether that’s through clear planning, good communication, or making sure they feel supported through testing, go live, and beyond. Ultimately, it’s about helping them navigate complex requirements with a solution that works for their business.

7) What advice would you give to someone considering a career in project implementation or customs solutions?

I’d say be willing to throw yourself into opportunities and not shy away from the things that feel challenging. A lot of growth comes from taking on the tougher projects, offering help where it’s needed, and being open to responsibilities that might sit slightly outside your comfort zone.

If you’re proactive, willing to learn, and happy to step up when opportunities come up, you’ll get a lot out of a role like this.

PERSONAL TOUCH:

8) How do you like to spend your time outside of work?

Outside of work, I like staying active, seeing friends, and taking every opportunity I can to beat our Commercial Director Sam at golf. I’m also a huge F1 fan and a big Lewis Hamilton supporter, so I watch every race I can and try to make it to Silverstone each year.

9) Is there a hobby or interest outside of work that people might be surprised to learn about?

Something people might be surprised to learn is that I’m currently training for an Ironman 70.3. I’m doing it as a personal challenge, but also to raise money for MIND, which makes it even more meaningful.

It’s been a great way to push myself outside of work, both physically and mentally, while supporting a cause that’s important to me.

10) What’s something outside of work that inspires or motivates you?

A big source of inspiration for me is travelling and experiencing different parts of the world. I really enjoy visiting places with completely different cultures and ways of life, as it gives me a broader perspective and pushes me outside of what feels familiar.

I was also lucky enough to live in Cambodia for seven months, which was a really valuable experience and definitely influenced the way I see things and approach new experiences.

COMPANY CULTURE:

11) How would you describe the culture at Langdon in your own words?

I’d describe the culture at Langdon as close-knit, supportive, and very customer-centric. There’s a real focus on doing the right thing for the customer and working together to deliver the best outcome.

Because we’re a smaller business, collaboration comes naturally and everyone’s contribution feels visible. It creates an environment where people support each other, take ownership, and stay focused on delivering a good service.

12) What does working collaboratively mean to you at Langdon?

Working collaboratively at Langdon means people working closely together, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other to get the best outcome for the customer. Because we’re a smaller business, there’s a lot of cross-team working, so good collaboration is really about clear communication, being willing to help, and pulling together to solve problems.

13) How do colleagues support each other when things get busy or complex?

When things get busy or complex, people are very good at spotting where support is needed and just stepping in to help. That might mean picking something up that would not normally sit with them, helping take pressure off someone else, or making sure nothing gets missed when workloads are high.

There is a real willingness to support each other without it needing to be asked, and I think that says a lot about the team culture here.

14) In your experience, what sets Langdon apart from other businesses in this sector?

For me, what sets Langdon apart is the way we approach customer relationships as a partnership rather than a typical client-supplier setup. There is a real focus on understanding each customer’s operation, working closely with them, and finding the right solution for their business.

That, combined with the level of expertise across the team, means customers get a service that feels personal, collaborative, and focused on long-term success rather than just delivery.

15) How does our people-first approach show up in day-to-day work?

It shows up in the way people treat both customers and each other day to day. Internally, there’s a real willingness to support one another, step in when someone is under pressure, and do what’s needed to keep things moving.

With customers, it comes through in the way we build relationships, understand their challenges, and work with them as partners rather than just delivering a service. It feels personal, not transactional.

16) Why do you think clients value working with Langdon teams?

I think clients value working with Langdon because they get a team that is knowledgeable, approachable, and invested in helping them get the right outcome. We take the time to understand their business properly and work with them in a way that feels collaborative rather than transactional.

That gives clients confidence that they are not just getting a provider, but a team that wants to build a strong working relationship and support them long term.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE:

17) How has Langdon supported your professional development so far?

Langdon has supported my development by giving me both practical experience in the role and opportunities to build my knowledge more formally. I’ve completed my UK customs course, and I’m also about to start my APM (Association for Project Management) qualification, which is a great next step for me professionally.

Alongside that, the level of trust and responsibility I’ve been given has really helped me develop through day-to-day experience as well.

18) Have you had opportunities to learn new skills or take on new responsibilities?

Yes, definitely. I’ve had the chance to take on responsibilities outside of my core role, which has helped me build confidence and develop new skills. Last year, I spent an afternoon at Multimodal to get a feel for that side of the business, and this year I’ll be representing Langdon there more fully.

Alongside that, leading projects and getting involved in internal improvement work has helped me grow a lot since joining.

19) What motivates you most in your role?

What motivates me most is seeing the impact of the work, whether that’s helping a customer successfully go live, solving a problem, or improving how we work internally. I enjoy being in a role where you can take ownership and see the value of what you’re doing.

I’m also someone who always likes to be learning and progressing, so being in a role where there is always something new to take on or improve is a big motivator for me.

20) What do you enjoy most about coming to work at Langdon?

What I enjoy most is the people and the feeling that you are achieving something every day. There is a really good team around you, people support each other, and it makes work a place to be.

It also helps that the office is in a great spot at Wigan Pier, which is not a bad place to come into each day.

21) If you had to sum up Langdon in one sentence, what would it be?

Langdon is a collaborative, customer-focused business where people care, work in partnership with clients, and make a real impact.