Managing director, Metaphor IT
Tell us something most people won't know about you
I've been a vegetarian for 30 years.
What has been your highlight of 2018 so far?
From a personal point of view my work/life balance has improved radically in 2018 and I'm spending a lot more time with my young family. For Metaphor IT, we've continued to grow faster than we expected and won some great, long-term managed services contracts.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
My life isn't interesting enough to have a film made about it.
Which tech firm (other than your own!) do you most admire?
I like what Branson is trying to do with Hyperloop One and likewise Musk with The Boring Company. I always admire companies that are innovating and trying to change the accepted norm.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Sadly, I do still spend an unreasonable amount of time kicking a football about in my back garden.
What is the most irritating tech buzzphrase of 2018?
I've found people have got a little caught up in how people pronounce certain tech phrases. Does it really matter as long as people understand?
What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?
Tough one. Probably only promote people into the cabinet that have real world experience in the sector/industry that they are going to be making decisions and policy about.
What's the biggest untapped opportunity facing the channel?
I still think it's security. The security market is still immature, and it will only become more relevant and more challenging.
What is your most treasured possession?
Probably photos - I'd be gutted if I lost them.
What do your family think you do all day?
Pretty much the truth: talking to people most of the day.
Who has been your mentor in business?
Too many to list, but I'll highlight Ian ‘Red' Readman who co-founded, built and sold Intercept IT and Benjamin Turner who taught me how to approach challenges differently.
