Nigel Edward Richardson

Summary

Technical writer with fifteen years' expertise in producing technical documentation, user guides, online help and web sites for software, hardware and engineering projects, working as solo writer, senior or peer team member. Specializing for the last five years in the area of online help for PC-based software. Proficient in all aspects of word processing, desktop publishing, webpage creation, graphic editing and document design. Dedicated to producing clear, concise and accurate material for all levels of user.

Core Proficiencies

Technical Toolbox

(Applications and development tools used)

Adobe Acrobat	Adobe FrameMaker	Adobe PageMaker	Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop	Corel Draw	CSS	HTML
Internet Explorer	JavaScript	Macromedia Dreamweaver	Macromedia Flash
Macromedia Homesite	Microsoft Access	Microsoft Excel	Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Powerpoint	Microsoft Project	Microsoft Publisher	Microsoft Word
Microsoft SourceSafe	Netscape	Opera	RoboHelp 2002
Visio	Windows 95/98	Windows 2000	XML

Professional Development

(Inhouse courses and training)

Project Management	Information Mapping
Web Design and Authoring	Software Documentation

Experience

Solomio - Austin, Texas (2003)

(Telecommunication Services)

Voice Talent

• Provided English voice messages for In-Call / Missed Call automated telephone service

NE Richardson Ltd (1997 – 2003)

(Technical Writing Services, various client locations in England and Scotland)

Freelance Technical Writer

• Wrote business procedures, online help, user guides, reference manuals and training materials for computer hardware, software, networked systems and Windows APIs
• Responsible for training and supporting programmers and non-technical staff in writing help using RoboHELP, Microsoft Office and other software tools
• Worked alone or as key team member depending on clients' requirements
• Dealt with all aspects of running my own limited company including tax and payroll
• Clients included:
• Child Support Agency: Intranet-based business procedures, screen help and field help for child benefit system to be used by all CSA staff in the UK
• NCR Financial Services: User guides, WinHelp and HTMLHelp for a range of programming tools and Windows extended financial service providers
• Homeowners Friendly Society: Created Word templates and macros for generating form letters and policy packs for customers
• Smart PeopleTime: WinHelp and reference material for timekeeping and attendance software
• National Air Traffic Systems: Edited and produced early drafts of detailed design specification for proposed backup system
• GEC Alstom: Integral WinHelp for power station relay monitoring and offsite control packages
• Environment Agency: Created and maintained library of standards and procedures for roll-out of national computer network

British American Consulting Group (1993 – 1997)

(Supply Chain Management Systems, Leeds, England)

Senior Technical Writer

• Directed activities of staff technical writers and contractors
• Wrote and produced on-line and paper documentation for terabyte data warehousing system for the retail distribution industry
• Developed text, illustrations and graphics for sales and marketing materials such as product descriptions, brochures, technical reference and presentations
• Involved in the transition from traditional, bulky, function-based paper documentation to process-driven, user-friendly media such as online help and Acrobat documentation on CD

Driftglow Data Ltd (1989 – 1993)

(Technical Writing Services, various client locations in England)

Freelance Technical Writer

• Wrote user guides and reference manuals for hardware and software
• Worked alone or as key team member depending on client requirements
• Clients included:
• Legal & General: User guide and reference material for laptop-based insurance and financial package
• Unisys: Suite of twenty-two manuals for construction industry software
• ICL: Safety and backup procedures for chemical plant
• British Aerospace: Revised and updated local working procedures for business information department
• British American Consulting Group: Reference manuals for mainframe retail and distribution software

BOS Software (1986 – 1989)

(Proprietary operating system and bespoke software, London, England, now part of Global 3000)

Senior Technical Writer

• Wrote and edited user manuals for the whole range of BOS accountancy, business, office and programming products
• Developed text and graphics for sales and marketing materials such as technical product descriptions, brochures, magazine articles
• Involved at all stages of production – from initial liaison with developers to dealing with customer feedback

Education

Sheffield Polytechnic, Sheffield, England

• HND – Applied Chemistry: first year completed

Garforth Comprehensive School, Leeds, England

• Advanced Levels: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics
• Ordinary Levels: Art, Astronomy, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics