Lawrence Jones MBE

Founder/chief executive, UKFast
Which tech figurehead do you admire the most?
Sir Richard Branson. While some people would say he isn't tech, if trying to get a spaceship to carry passengers into orbit isn't tech I don't know what is. He remains humble, is a brilliant leader and a massive influence to so many entrepreneurs.
What's the biggest challenge facing the industry no-one is talking about yet?
The companies who are taking advantage of it by not contributing to countries and communities. Avoiding tax and giving nothing back.
If you could invite three famous people to dinner, who would they be?
I've been lucky enough to meet the people I've really wanted to meet, although I was disappointed never to meet Nelson Mandela. I quite enjoy just having dinner with my family and friends, so I'll stick with them.
How has 2017 been for you?
It's been amazing. An exciting journey, new people, new buildings and developing the leadership team. There are so many exciting things happening.
What's the most extravagant business lunch you've ever had?
All of them because my chef, Ben, is amazing. I tend to avoid really posh restaurants. I love the Wild Food Café when I'm in London.
Which global city best matches your personality?
Manchester, because it's always striving to improve and works hard to stay in the game. It's always challenging the bigger players and thrives on that role. Warren Avis once said: "I love being number two, because it makes us work harder."
What would be your super-hero power?
I already have one. When the phone rings I always seem to know who it's going to be!
Complete this sentence. The worst thing about our rivals is… they continuously try to copy us.
What makes you nervous?
Public speaking straight after a long holiday and high mountains with a drop on both sides.
If you could eat one type of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Anything dairy free.
Sum up the channel in three words
Really bloody complicated!
More on Services and Outsourcing
AWS partners are helping level up the UK, AWS UK boss claims
Darren Hardman talks CRN through new report claiming that economic benefit cloud brings to the UK outweighs the contribution of the Premier League
Capita quashes rumours of private equity sale
Outsourcing firm's share price spiked amid speculation of takeover bid
'We've quietly been in the UK for a few years' - Arkphire boss on growing globally
Paschal Naylor says £60m contract will act as a springboard for further UK expansion
More news
Why threat actors are targeting the channel
The recent attack on Exclusive Networks is only the latest in a series which has seen cybersecurity vendors, distributors and MSPs suffer breaches to their systems. CRN asks why the channel is seeing itself become a popular target for cybercriminals
Five resellers secure places on £150m Welsh IT framework
Contract covers IT hardware to larger customer organisations
4 key challenges facing Gelsinger as Intel's new CEO
The VMware boss is joining the chipmaker as it finds itself adrift and losing market share to rivals. CRN considers why he might be the best person to steer the company through its troubled waters
European IT channel on track for record breaking year in 2021, claims analyst
Market analyst Context says European IT channel now on track to break first ever €100bn-revenue year in 2021, despite pandemic pressures