Simon England

Chief executive, Nuvias

What was your dream career as a child?

Captain of a professional football team, then being really old, becoming a coach.

What has been your personal highlight of 2019?

Son #2 marrying his sweetheart on the beach in Florida.

Which famous person deserves a (gentle) slap?

A gentle, well done slap on the back for JÜrgen Klopp for fooling everybody he was ‘the normal one' at least for a while.

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

My seaman's chest with unrecoverable personal and family ‘treasures', yep and my phone.

Which of your 2019 predictions have come to pass?

Core growth in our industry outside of key technology segments slowing down, increasing the need for growth supporting partners.

What TV show have you binge watched this year?

Sorry, I am not a TV man.

How has 2019 been from a business perspective?

Inspiring and invigorating with lots of opportunities opening up coming into my role at Nuvias.

What annoys you most about your commute?

Flight delays on ‘red eye' early flights.

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

8 May 1945, VE Day to see the joy and relief of the second world war in Europe ending.

How do you explain the channel to people?

The business partners needed in the IT world to take technology to market and help deliver the intended outcome.

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

My favourite is Barcelona (always a treat); least favourite is Las Vegas (seriously, despite the shows and post-dinner drinks and duelling piano acts).

What is the biggest challenge facing the channel in 2020?

The same as in 2019: having to stay ahead of the game, differentiating, placing bets on the right supporting partnerships.