Managing director, NG Bailey's IT Services division
What achievement are you most proud of?
My children, and recently becoming a grandparent. Keith Richards' (Rolling Stones - falls out of trees) recent comments about how special the whole continuity thing is was something I found myself very strongly empathising with.
What three things could you not live without?
1. My golf clubs. I'm not a great player, but knowing they are in the garage makes me want to get out and use them, which is one of the times I really relax. 2. My car. I live in London so it's a waste of time locally but it's so good to just be able to get in and go outside London visiting places and family and friends. 3. My iPhone. It just makes keeping in touch so simple and straightforward. It's not very big and does not need much maintenance.
What has been your most embarrassing moment so far?
This was before I worked at NG Bailey - attending the wrong meeting during a highly active acquisition phase. I walked in the room, was beckoned to sit down and looked around and thought "Hmm, this does not look right".
With all the main board directors sitting there it was reassuring no-one asked what was I doing there. After another couple of minutes the subject of the meeting was clearly something about which I knew nothing; I just stood up and walked out, on the grounds that it was better they think me a fool than I open my mouth and confirm it.
Who is your ultimate celeb crush?
Camilla Long - she's the film critic at the Sunday Times and has been on TV a few times. She has a very earthy writing style and is amusing. She does it for me.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I'm probably a little too fond of red wine. I know I shouldn't, but it makes me feel good when I have a glass or two.
What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?
Probably asking the simple question: "OK, has anyone actually got a list of everything we promised we were going to do?"
Has 2015 been a good, bad or ugly year?
A good year. Confidence is returning and increasing, organisations are talking about what the future is going to look like as opposed to "how can we keep on the road a little longer?".
What major issues will the channel face in 2016?
Making sure, as activity levels increase, that you don't lose sight of providing a quality product/solution. There will be some days when actually saying no might be the right thing to do and that's always difficult.
