Peter Niblett started in computing in 1956 when undertaking a PhD in Theoretical Physics at University College London. Having completed his PhD, he joined Ferranti on 16 June 1958 as a member of the Computer Research Group based first at Portland Place but then transferred to Bracknell. At Bracknell he worked on the development of the ASAC-M, Poseidon and F1600 Series computers and participated in many studies concerning the potential use of these machines in military real-time systems.

For some of this work he used the Ferranti Pegasus computer at the Admiralty Research Laboratory in Teddington. He was involved with the logic designer for the Poseidon and F1600 computers and in the generation of support software, such as bootstrap from paper tape program input routines and hardware test programs. It was during this time that Ferranti sold its commercial interests in the manufacture of computers to ICL and the Bracknell Division specialised in real-time systems for Ferranti. Peter Niblett was put in charge of all program development for the Bracknell Division at the start of a period of rapid growth.

During this time, Niblett’s team was involved in the setting-to-work of systems in shipyards during construction and at sea on formal trials. Niblett became concerned with the management of software development and the definition of standards and procedures. These standards were then used for operational program development to meet stringent demands from the Ministry of Defence. On the technical side he initiated the development of the FIXPAC (Fixed Point Autocode).

Dr Niblett was involved in the specification of real-time supervisors, the range of library routines and their comprehensive testing for accuracy. The growth of the internal computing facilities and their operation to meet the increasing need for program development time was a significant responsibility.

In 1974, it became necessary for the Bracknell Division to open offices in Cwmbran, South Wales. Niblett set up a programming operation there, which grew rapidly. He also undertook the provision of software development tools and hardware test programs for the whole of the Bracknell Division. In the early 1980s a Divisional reorganisation took place and a significant hardware development capability was brought to Cwmbran to support the whole of the Division.

Eventually Niblett ceased his line management role and became a Software Consultant, reporting directly to the Bracknell Divisional Manager. In this capacity he became more concerned with computer facilities for management as well as for technical staff as well as with many new technical developments such as Expert Systems and security issues. He also became involved with moves to maximise the benefits of closer cooperation between the Ferranti Bracknell and the Ferranti Wythenshawe technical staff. The Ferranti Company was in financial difficulties in the early 1990s. Dr Niblett's post was made redundant in 1990.