Smee, Grahame

A-LIST 2005

Company: Equip Technology.

Job title: Managing director.

Place of birth: Reading, Berkshire.

Marital status: Single.

Career highlights: Early on, single-handedly installing a modem network for the Indian Railway. More recently, helping to build a distribution business and brand in a growing and competitive market.

What do you love most about the IT industry? The uniqueness of the ever-changing challenges. The people, the personalities, the passion.

Which company do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Today's latest start-up. Good luck to them.

Which individual do you most admire or respect in the IT business? Bill Gates: the broadest shoulders, the thickest skin.

What is the biggest technology trend you anticipate in the next 12 months? Compliance: comply or die.

What is the one thing working in the technology industry has taught you? The deal isn't done until the cheque has cleared.

Where do you think the channel will be in five years time? It may be dead, as predicted five years ago.

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

Which do you think is the most influential ISV in the UK? Nobody springs to mind. I admire anyone taking on the big boys.

Which vendor's technology do you think has changed the face of IT? Microsoft, Intel, Cisco, Skype.

How do you unwind or spend your spare time? Football (watching and playing), flying, playing golf, eating out, hiking.

Where is your favourite place to eat? Somewhere with no smoke, plenty of space and the best company.

What is your favourite drink? Beer if I'm drinking, wine if I'm eating.

What is your favourite TV programme or film? Spooks, Top Gear.

Who is your favourite musician, band, artist or genre? Depending on the mood, but anything upbeat and inspiring.

What is your favourite book? I am not a book person.

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

What has been your greatest business achievement? Realising what I was good at and doing it.

What is your personal ambition? To make sure I live a little every day.