White, Philip

A-LIST 2005

Company: Syscap.

Job title: Sales director.

Place of birth: Rochford.

Year of birth: 1966.

Marital status: Married.

Career highlights: Joining Syscap (then The Systems House Group) about 14 years ago when it was a business of about 10 people with revenues of less than £10m, and being an integral part of the growth that sees it today with about 120 people, forecast revenues for this financial year of about £150m and boasting a portfolio of IT assets under management of more than £250m.

What do you love most about the IT industry? Its diversity and ever-changing landscape.

Which company do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Two probably of note: Oracle and Sage. Both have gone through amazing growth, and of course, Sage is a UK business flying the flag on the global stage.

Which individual do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Larry Ellison [of Oracle].

What is the biggest technology trend you anticipate in the next 12 months? I suppose, given our position, we have a slightly different view, not just of the technology. We see organisations having to have a clearer business case and return on investment justification prior to commencing on projects. Also, an increase in the provision and adoption of managed service-style contracts and subscription licensing.

What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? Never take anything for granted.

Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? There will be further consolidation, an increase in online procurement, and a continued shift towards provision of more services. It is survival of the fittest.

Which do you think is the most influential vendor in the UK? I'm not sure any has had or has a consistent dominant position across all sectors or platforms - so none of them really stands out

Which do you think is the most influential ISV in the UK? Does Microsoft count?

Which vendor's technology do you think has changed the face of IT? Having already stated my admiration of Sage, I believe that over the years its technology has made available computerised accounting to any business, irrespective of size or budget.

How do you unwind or spend your spare time? Interesting question. Spare time? With four children participating in every possible sport, my other job is as glorified taxi driver and cashpoint.

Where is your favourite place to eat? River Cafe, Brooklyn Bridge, New York.

What is your favourite drink? Good Italian or Spanish red.

What is your favourite TV programme or film? No real favourite, but anything with a sporting theme.

Who is your favourite musician, band, artist or genre? A wide and varied range originating in my party years of the 80s to, I suppose, the more mellow sounds of today, such as Coldplay and James Blunt.

What is your favourite book? Losing my Virginity by Richard Branson.

What career would you have pursued if you hadn't worked in the channel? I'm not working directly in the channel now, I suppose that if I were not within that environment I'd probably be working in some form of investment business or arena.

What has been your greatest business achievement? Hitting the £100m revenue mark with Syscap.

What is your personal ambition? To see Syscap reach £500m revenues and be the dominant player in the IT financing arena.