What a knockout

What was your first job, and how did you get into IT?

I was hired as a graduate by IBM. I was one of the first hires onto the C&W global outsource account, working in the commercial department focusing on budgeting and cost modelling of the account; the largest outsource in Europe at the time.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

I'm definitely a dog person. Dogs are more loyal and obedient than felines.

What were you like at school?

Annoying. Apparently, nothing has changed!

What is the most important trend to follow in 2016?

Inventory-as-a-service, as businesses look to reduce their capex on IT spares and move to a more opex model that can scale up or down with customer demand.

What is your biggest regret in business?

I have no regrets, just learning experiences and character-building exercises!

What was the first record you bought?

The Final Countdown, Europe.

What is your most overused word?

Absolutely.

Why do you think there is a skills shortage? And what can be done about it?

Technology has been moving at a rapid pace over the past couple of years and IT firms have not been investing enough time and resource in upskilling their technical teams. In order to fill the skills gap, both businesses and the government need to work together in understanding technology advancements and where support and skills are required to remain competitive in today's global market.

Do you have a favourite motivational quote?

"Why are we still talking about it?"

What should the government be doing to help UK businesses grow?

Tax incentives to retain and train talent within a business.

What would you like to have as your epitaph?

"He brought inventory to the masses."

Sweet or savoury?

Both - pistachio ice cream!

Your closest near-death experience?

The Agilitas "It's a Knockout" Olympics where I picked up more injuries than Darren Anderton (for all those who remember ‘sicknote') - all inflicted by members of the Agilitas team, I hasten to add!

How do you cheer yourself up when you're feeling down? Does it work?

Havana Club 7 rum and a Cohiba. It works every time!

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