Michael Simmonds

Managing director, Axial Systems

What was your first job and were you any good at it? I was an apprentice at Racal Milgo, and yes I was good.

Who was your top teenage pin-up? Debbie Harry.

My colleagues won't know this about me but... We have no secrets. They know everything.

What is your favourite snack? Chocolate.

What has been your career high point to date? Being welcomed by the Axial team into the managing director role.

Has 2013 been good, bad or ugly? A good year, with great highlights.

What do you say when asked at a party what you do for a living? I'm responsible for a networking and security specialist company.

If I wasn't working in the channel I would probably be... in vendor-land.

What will be the channel's biggest challenge in 2014? Unselfishly stopping the commoditisation of the value we all bring to our customers.