Colin Brown

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Managing director, Softcat

What achievement are you most proud of?

Surviving countless Softcat parties with hordes of people less than half my age but with 10 times the appetite for Jagerbombs, espresso martinis and the like. That reminds me, I must book my next health check-up.

What has been the biggest change in the channel since you started working in it?

Pricing and margins – I remember when an order for 250 laptops was the cause for a full-on office celebration.

What three things could you not live without?

My passions outside of work are football and music so the first two would be Sky TV and my ‘old skool’ classic iPod. And the third would be tea bags – I can’t get through the day without bucket loads of tea.

What has been your most embarrassing moment so far?

Getting backstage after my first-ever big company presentation and saying “Thank f**k that’s over” with the microphone still live. Mind you, that got the best laugh all day…

What do your family think you do all day?

I’m not convinced they care! Who is your ultimate celeb crush? I have a weird crush on Fiona Bruce. I’m sorry but I really can’t explain it.

What is your guilty pleasure?

See above: therefore, watching Antiques Roadshow.

What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?

Just to freshen things up, I’d paint the door of No. 10 with a nice Farrow and Ball shade, perhaps Dead Salmon or Borrowed Light (seems appropriate!).

Has 2015 been a good, bad or ugly year?

A good year: Chelsea won the Premier League, my daughter turned 21 and most importantly, Softcat had yet another amazing year.

If you didn’t work in the IT channel, what would you do?

I have been to the dark side and lived to tell the tale (four years at Microsoft). So I might see if they’d have me back!

What major issues will the channel face in 2016?

Same as every other year – attracting talent, acquiring customers and making money!

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