Paul Barlow

Managing director, Servium

What is your greatest career move to date?

Starting Servium in 2010.

What is top of your bucket list?

Taking the kids scuba diving for the first time.

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

Technology. My first PC had a green VDU screen and 10Mb hard disk.

How do you think Brexit is going to affect the channel?

It will create challenges but that in turn will create opportunities.

What is your least favourite task during the working day?

Reading endless emails.

If you were an animal, what would you be?

A cat. They sleep 18 hours a day, get given food and stay out all night.

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

I'd be very happy sharing it with friends and family. What is your worst habit? Talking too much (according to the sales team).

How has 2016 been for you?

Exceptional. Servium has grown by more than 20 per cent.

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

I'd be an officer in the Royal Marines. It almost happened…

What major issues will the channel face in 2017?

Further consolidation in ‘vendor and distribution land'; the search for recurring revenues; and price increases due to the dollar against the pound.