Paul Tomlinson

Managing director, Mirus

What is your greatest career move to date?
Founding Mirus in 2002 and growing it to the business it is today.

What is top of your bucket list? Riding Route 66 on a Chopper with my wife. We met while learning to ride motorcycles and it's a dream we share.

What has changed most since you started working in the channel? Customer expectations. We're no longer restricted to just keeping IT systems operational, we're now able to add real value to their business through investments in IT as customers understand the difference it can make to their performance.

How do you think Brexit is going to affect the channel?
I'm sure there will be some casualties with providers who have a particular vertical market focus, but I've got a very optimistic view on how Mirus will perform over the coming years.

What is your least favourite task during the working day?
This one I struggled with. I love what I do. I'd say dealing with pushy sales people via Linkedin requests but to be honest it doesn't bother me that much.

If you were an animal, what would you be?
A honey badger. It features on our Mirus cycling team shirts; as for why I couldn't tell you.

If you won the big one on EuroMillions, what would you do?
I'd have a big night out and then invest it in the business so we could grow faster and put a smile on my FD's face.

What is your worst habit? I get distracted easily, so have to pull myself up and keep focused on the task at hand.

How has 2016 been for you?
It's been a great year for me. We moved offices, delivered some great projects, took on new clients and added some amazing staff to the team.

If you didn't work in the IT channel, what would be your dream career?
I'd love to organise outdoor adventures. At Mirus we've completed the Three Peaks a number of times and taken on long-distance cycling challenges. I love helping people achieve things they never thought possible and enjoy the peace of walking hills at 3am or cycling across mountains.

What major issues will the channel face in 2017?
The ever-increasing drive to the cloud will have an impact on product sales. Those who rely too heavily on profit from these sales will struggle, which may create opportunities for players like us who are already focused
on recurring revenue services.