Chief executive, Daisy Group
What was the worst job you have ever had?
I spent my school work experience with a joinery firm. One of the jobs took place at a funeral director’s. My colleagues thought it would be funny to lock me in a room with some bodies and hide my sandwiches. Not fun. I also spent an interesting summer on a production line putting Filofaxes together.
Which actor would you pick to play you in a movie of your life?
Hugh Jackman. I think the similarities are striking.
What do you do as your party trick?
I can walk on my hands.
What is your favourite chocolate bar?
Green and Blacks.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Setting up Daisy in 2001.
Has 2014 been a good, bad or ugly year?
It’s been a good one. You could never describe us as dull. I think we’ve had a lot to talk about and unquestionably given our observers plenty to talk about, too.
How would you explain the IT channel to a stranger without boring them to death?
The IT channel is a fertile land and plays a fundamental role in the technology supply chain. It is a place where growing businesses can diversify quickly, expanding their models through access and support to developing technologies.
Aside from the channel, my dream career would be… building another business which is disruptive in a fragmented market, not dissimilar to Daisy.
What major issues will the channel face in 2015?
The ongoing explosion of the Internet of Things. As more elements of life and business are connected and rely on connectivity and data, savvy consumers are placing more and more pressure on their suppliers. The channel needs to be up for the challenge and willing to be at the forefront of these developments, providing a platform for adoption and also the ability to deliver them securely.
