Julian Fielden

Managing director, OCF

What is your greatest career move to date?

Easy - it was buying OCF. What is top of your bucket list? I'm happy with what I've achieved, so I don't have a bucket list. Impossible things like playing golf at Augusta are just dreams and not worth listing.

What has changed most since you started working in the channel?

It's no longer just about shifting tin. If you don't add value, then you can't exist and thrive in the channel. Get big, get niche or get out is still a good mantra. How do you think Brexit is going to affect the channel? Brexit doesn't matter either way. Those people who were going to be successful before Brexit will continue to be so.

What is your least favourite task during the working day?

Shaving.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

I'd be a silverback gorilla. That was one of my nicknames in my rugby days, apparently because of the way I walk.

If you won the big one on EuroMillions, what would you do?

Quite honestly, nothing different.

What is your worst habit?

My wife would say I make a funny noise when I breathe. It's not something I've noticed.

How has 2016 been for you? Personally it's been great - my family are healthy and the kids are doing well. Business-wise we've continued to grow and our systems integrator approach is continuing to hit home. We've got a new approach to data and analytics, which we'll be announcing before the end of 2016.

If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would be your dream career?

A Test match cricket commentator. I'd get to travel the world watching cricket.

What major issues will the channel face in 2017? It'll be the same as 2016. You've got to take a long-term view and forget the macro issues on Brexit and the value of the pound - it's the same for every company in the channel. You've got to differentiate yourself, deliver what you say you will and when you say you will. If you're not adding value, then you'll struggle to succeed.