Neil Hartigan would love to keep Liverpool away from the Premiership
What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?
Initially, I was a footballer with Oxford United. I then joined an office equipment company as a salesman and progressed to IT products.
Planes, trains or automobiles?
None of them. They all increase your level of stress during the period of travel. They are a necessary evil and a means to an end.
Which fictional TV character is borrowing ideas from your life?
A certain member of The Inbetweeners. I can't tell you which one; you will have to guess. However I was very similar in my school days.
"In my dreams ... "
... I have won the lottery, I am playing centre-forward for Manchester United and playing a round like Tiger Woods.
What was your best business trip or junket ever?
I went to Japan and Hong Kong while I worked for Sharp. The group was a fabulous bunch of people. We had great fun, lots to drink and I made some long-lasting friendships. Oh, and the countries were nice to see too!!
What was the best holiday you ever went on?
I took a three-week trip to South Africa. The people were brilliant, the scenery fantastic and the wine tasting addictive.
"I never ... "
... want to see Liverpool win the Premiership.
"I always ... "
... get the Mail on Sunday. I read the sports pages first, back to front.
Will we see businesses take green ICT more seriously this year?
Yes, definitely. There will be far more pressure on the corporate and public sector to show energy savings when making buying decisions.
Print or online news?
Print, definitely! A bit conventional, but I do like to be able to pick things up wherever I am and that is not always possible online.
Do you use social media?
Yes, I use social media but mainly for business. I very rarely pay a visit to Facebook.
Do vendors do enough to help their channel?
I believe that this varies from vendor to vendor. We believe that we have very strong relationships with our partners, and we do pride ourselves on our support. I do however hear many uncomplimentary comments related to some vendors.
Is IT well taught in schools?
I think that when we compare ourselves to the rest of Europe our schoolchildren have much more opportunity to interact with IT. Teachers' knowledge of ICT is generally very good.
Neil Hartigan is channel director at NEC Display Solutions
