Career so far I have spent more than 25 years in the IT channel as a small reseller/PC builder/trade distributor. I formed Computer Office Group (COG), have been a director of Integra Office Solutions, and chairman of the Professional Computing Association (PCA). I launched Synaxon UK in the channel in January 2009.
If you could be anyone else for a week, who would you be and what would you do? Sir Richard Branson. I would understand how he thinks, what makes him so successful.
Cloud - friend or foe? It's an acquaintance to the industry. Cloud will never be as big as some within the channel expect. It will never replace the requirement for the supply of products and services through professional independent technology providers.
Has 2011 been as bad as everyone said it would be? Yes and in some cases, worse. We have seen record numbers of failures from within the independent sector during 2011. However, on the positive side, the best become more resilient and streamline their operations making the longer term outlook for the technology channel stronger and more professional.
What would you have as your last meal? A banquet from around the world; variety is the spice of life. It would also have to be enjoyed in the company friends and family.
Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with? A lift engineer to sort the issue and Steven Fry for intelligent conversation.
Have any of your predictions come true this year? The economic situation has worsened and consequently the channel has suffered.
What do you see as the channel's biggest challenge in 2012? The current and future economic outlook for the UK market.
What is the best part of your day? Getting up in the morning. Every day is a new day with new challenges.
