Paul Barlow

CEO, Servium

What was your dream career as a child?

Officer in the Royal Marines.

What has been your personal highlight of 2019?

My children's successes.

My son passed all his GCSEs, my eldest daughter was selected to play hockey for Surrey and my youngest daughter competed in the Surrey Youth Games. Oh, and managing to convince my wife I am still a good catch!

Which famous person deserves a (gentle) slap?

Michael Owen, for being unable to say anything useful while commentating on a football match!

What two things (apart from your family) would you grab if your house was on fire?

A letter opener my late mum gave me and my secret stash of chocolate that the kids do not know about!

Which of your 2019 predictions have come to pass?

Absolutely none of them!

What TV show have you binge watched this year?

Designated Survivor and Lethal Weapon.

How has 2019 been from a business perspective?

Excellent, despite our politicians' best efforts to trash UK business confidence.

What annoys you most about your commute?

The fact I should cycle it and most of the time I take the car instead.

If you could witness one past event, what would it be?

Dunkirk, to see how to turn a disaster into a victory!

How do you explain the channel to people?

I compare it to the car industry! Then waffle on until they lose interest…

What have been your favourite and least favourite partner conference destinations?

My best is Monaco; my worst is Coventry (sorry, Coventry).

What is the biggest challenge facing the channel in 2020?

Keeping up with the speed of change in IT.