Clive Hailstone

Career so far From a geologist working for the National Libyan Oil Company to photocopier salesman to IT distribution. I then stuck to what I know best.

If you could be anyone else for a week, who would you be and what would you do? Roman Abramovic. I would buy Lionel Messi.

Cloud - friend or foe? I'm not sure at the moment. We're still in courtship mode and flirting.

Has 2011 been as bad as everyone said it would be? No. Look after your staff and keep close to your customers and the opportunities will always come along.

What would you have as your last meal? Probably something I could eat through a straw.

Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with? A lift engineer.

Have any of your predictions come true this year? Arsenal finishing outside of the top six still looks like a good bet.

What do you see as the channel's biggest challenge in 2012? How to profitably embrace the cloud while staying true to your value proposition.

What is the best part of your day? The first glass of wine with Mrs Hailstone after a big sales day.