Purdham, Steve

A-LIST 2005

Company: SurfControl.

Job title: Chief technology officer and founder.

Place of birth: Bishop Auckland.

Year of birth: 1957.

Marital status: Married.

Career highlights: Since the mid-1990s, I have worked with major worldwide organisations to understand, analyst and define the exploding internet market. I have been a frequent conference speaker on the subject of the internet and spam, and have contributed to several books and papers on the subject. I have also worked closely with law enforcement agencies to combat internet paedophile activity. Two UK police operations have led to more than 100 suspects being arrested.

What do you love most about the IT industry? Constant change. New toys and ideas to play with and evolve.

Which company do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Microsoft.

Which individual do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Steve Ballmer [of Microsoft].

What is the biggest technology trend you anticipate in the next 12 months? Mobile security threats.

What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? Disruptive technologies present unsuspected opportunities for many.

Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? Where it is today, looking for the added value in the new deliverables of tomorrow.

Which do you think is the most influential vendor in the UK? Microsoft.

How do you unwind or spend your spare time? Music, computer games and five-a-side.

Where is your favourite place to eat? Barcelona, Spain.

What is your favourite drink? Beer.

What is your favourite TV programme or film? The West Wing.

Who is your favourite musician, band, artist or genre? Tubular Bells and David Bowie.

What is your favourite book? Foundation Trilogy.

What career would you have pursued if you hadn't worked in the channel? Mobile DJ.

What has been your greatest business achievement? Growing SurfControl into $1m business.

What is your personal ambition? Done it.