Life in the fast lane

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

Payroll Clerk for Toys R Us Head Office - I got the sack after a year because I was truly awful at it! I kept paying the wrong people the wrong amount.

My big brother saw an advert for a sales job at Softcat in the local paper, no experience necessary and full training given. He's still sore with me as he says I stole his job.

Are you a cat or a dog person?

That's a tough one, I have 3 cats but I adore dogs too. My last dog was a Newfoundland and before her a Staffie. I love how silly animals can be and the endless joy they give.

What were you like in school?

The first few years I was a good girl but the last two years, I don't know how but I managed to dodge every single detention.

What will be the most important trend to follow in 2016? Why?

That's a hard one to call but I think the biggest trend within my sphere will be the changes we're seeing in Next Generation Endpoint. There's some truly innovative & game changing solutions we're seeing coming to the fore.

What is your most annoying habit?

My partner will tell you that it's my biting the inside of my lips - constantly without realising and boy you should see some of the faces I pull whilst doing it!

What is your biggest regret in business?

Not always following my instincts & rushing recruitment decisions

If you were king or queen, what would you do first? Why?

I'd figure out how to time travel and go back to Queen Victoria's early years. The dresses, gardens, romance and politics - what a wonderful era to have lived in.

What was the first record you bought?

I've never bought a record. The first tape was Hits 5 from 1986, it had songs like The Final Countdown - Europe, Eurythmics - "Thorn in My Side", Paul Simon - "You Can Call Me Al", Whitney Houston - "Greatest Love of All".

Do you have a favourite motivational quote?

"Our prime purpose in life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." Dalai Lama

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

Giving us growth tax breaks, it's shocking to see how little some worldwide organisations have to pay in tax. I'd like to develop and grow the business substantially over the next few years, using taxbreaks to invest in staff development & training surely is in the interest of all.

What are your three greatest accomplishments (so far)? Why?

Meeting the man of my dreams 18 months ago and to be planning the rest of our lives together. It took getting to 40 to figure a few things out.

Starting AVR at the age of 26, I think if you wait until you're truly ready to start a business - you never will.

I've always been a car person so it has to be the 1/4/15 when I picked up my brand new Aston Martin Vanquish Volante. A stunningly beautiful car and a joy to drive, well that's when she's not in the garage!

What was your most important lucky break in business so far? Did you make the most of it?

It has to be meeting Ian Vickerage of Imago in 2004. He's been a phenomenal business mentor, great friend and previous investor in AVR. He has one of the best business brains I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

Yes, I made the most of it, a chance meeting lead to Ian investing in AVR and we went on to have a great 10 year business relationship.

Sweet or savoury? Why?

Both, sweet & salty popcorn, pure heaven!

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

If the tests HR have been running here are to be believed I score 99% for both Happiness and Optimism. I think it's critical to have these internal traits so you can see the art of possible everywhere. The energy it brings to the company and new ideas/advances are invaluable.

If ever I'm feeling down, I put my foot down when driving, never ever fails!! I also love the sky/sunsets, clouds, horizons, rolling country hills. Just getting out there and seeing the beauty.