This episode of Work This Way features an insightful conversation with Tom Fielder, co-founder of Switchplane, a tech company based in Eastbourne. Tom shares the history of Switchplane, from its humble beginnings in a bedroom to its growth into a tech powerhouse. He explains the company's focus on integrating disparate systems to help businesses manage data centrally. Tom also discusses how Switchplane pioneered innovative solutions, such as a pre-Uber taxi booking platform and the development of an e-commerce system. The episode delves into challenges like hiring skilled software engineers locally, the impact of COVID-19 on their business, and their values in staying rooted in Eastbourne. Additionally, the discussion covers their involvement in local initiatives like Chalk Eastbourne and Digifest, aimed at revitalising the town's image and tech community. Tom ends by sharing his views on AI, its applications, and his personal approach to balancing work and life.