Managing director, Softcat
What was the worst job you have ever had?
Working behind the bar in a pub opposite Stamford Bridge (Chelsea FC’s stadium) on match days. It was fast and furious: me as fast as I could, the punters often furious.
Which actor would you pick to play you in a movie of your life?
Vin Diesel – see above answer (Fast and Furious). I’m not comparing myself to Vin Diesel in any way though; I’m probably more Catweazle than Vin Diesel.
What do you do as your party trick?
I’m good at doing a David Blaine-style disappearing act when I know I’ve had one too many.
What is your favourite chocolate bar?
I’m very partial to a Raisin & Biscuit Yorkie – the lorry driver’s favourite, but with one of your five-a-day.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
My team provided the infrastructure for the new GLA building on the Thames, so we all got invited to the grand opening and were introduced to the Queen, Sir Norman Foster et al. And we had one hell of an after-party (sans the Queen).
Has 2014 been a good, bad or ugly year?
It’s been a fantastic year for Softcat, smashing all kinds of records. For me personally it was my first full year at the helm so I was determined not to do a David Moyes to Mr Hellawell’s Sir Alex Ferguson. Phew…
How would you explain the IT channel to a stranger without boring them to death?
It’s like the English Channel but with more sharks.
Aside from the channel, my dream career would be… a Gogglebox viewer. Paid to watch TV and you can get as drunk as you like – a true 21st century career option.
What major issues will the channel face in 2015?
Recruiting enough high-quality people to meet the demands of customers – which is a quality problem to have.
