Jason Holloway

Founder & managing director, Bridgeway Security Solutions

Tell us something most people won't know about you

I'm a pilot in my spare time. I've always loved flying from an early age after being fascinated by birds as a child. Growing up, I wanted to join the Fleet Air Arm and become a Sea Harrier pilot, but I was unfortunately already too tall. However, 12 years ago I rekindled this passion and studied for a power pilot's licence and then became a glider pilot too. The freedom of the sky, combined with the tricky negotiation of evolving weather conditions, is exhilarating.

What has been your highlight of 2018 so far?

We've just closed a terrific Q3 with stellar growth over previous years. In addition, we've recently expanded the team to help create and cover additional opportunities, which places us in great stead to continue this growth well into 2019 and beyond.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

I put this to my team and they came up with everyone from Tom Hanks to John Cleese and Richard E Grant - but hopefully not as Withnail!

Which tech firm (other than your own!) do you most admire?

It has to be Apple because of its dedication to integrating complex hardware and software to create a simplified user experience.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

My rather eclectic music collection.

What is the most irritating tech buzzphrase of 2018?

‘GDPR'. A lot of vendors like to use GDPR as a tenuous link to sell their products. You see it time and time again where vendors try to impose their solutions to businesses who do not require it.

What would be your first act if you were made Prime Minister?

I would restrict party funding and lobbyist influence. It's wrong that the pharmaceutical, tobacco and oil industries, for example, can exert such a huge influence over our political system.

What's the biggest untapped opportunity facing the channel? Listening to the customer.

What is your most treasured possession?

My car. I've been driving a Tesla Model S since February and it's so efficient and fun I could rave about it all day.

What do your family think you do all day?

My mum probably thinks I run Microsoft. My three teenage children just think it's boring stuff. In the early days my wife used to work with me, so she appreciates the busy workload better than most - which is handy!

Who has been your mentor in business?

I couldn't single out one person. I've been blessed to work with myriad different personality types and my colleagues and managers have had a great mix of skills and experiences that have helped shape my career.