Head of Cloudreach Europe
Tell us something most people won't know about you
I am a fan of unusual investment opportunities. From EIS-scheme companies, through AIM stocks and cryptocurrencies.
What has been your highlight of 2018 so far?
Professionally, bringing Relus Cloud into the Cloudreach family is a big step in our growth plans. Personally, travel. Sri Lanka, Iceland and Malawi have each provided amazing, but very different experiences.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Martin Freeman. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, of course.
Which tech firm (other than your own!) do you most admire?
I would call out two British Unicorn companies, who do very different things but are both highly innovative: Improbable's distributed simulation technology is incredible, and has applications beyond computer games; and DarkTrace. In a world hungry for better cybersecurity, it offers a next-generation solution.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
The Craig Charles Funk & Soul show.
What is the most irritating tech buzzphrase of 2018?
Never mind 2018, the most irritating phrase of all time remains ‘single pane of glass'. I've also heard a worrying uptick in ‘let's double click on that' in 2018 specifically. On the technology side, it still pains me how people mangle ‘DevOps' without understanding it.
What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?
Ignoring the unplanned farce that is Brexit for the moment, I'd simplify our arcane tax laws. For example, I'd flatten pension contribution rates, further incentivise investments in small companies and limit the ability for both individuals and companies to make money in the UK while channelling those earnings offshore.
What's the biggest untapped opportunity facing the channel?
Public cloud computing. We've barely touched the tip of the iceberg, and the opportunity is vast. The world changes quickly, and I'd encourage everyone to think about how they will be making money in three years.
What is your most treasured possession?
My passport.
What do your family think you do all day?
I will quote my wife: "All you do is make phone calls."
Who has been your mentor in business?
During my time at Cloudreach, I would highlight the business founders - James and Pontus - who have each offered me a very different perspective on technology, growth, business scaling and countless other areas.
