Cliff Fox

Group chief operating officer, Pure Technology Group
What was your dream career as a child?
An astronaut but I wouldn't have cut the maths.
What has been your personal highlight of 2019?
Getting on the EA FIFA 20 beta trial - it made me very popular at home for a change.
Which famous person deserves a (gentle) slap?
Just line up the whole of the House of Commons for a mass slapping session. Sell tickets; it'd be hugely popular.
What two things (apart from family) would you grab if your house was on fire?
My watch and my phone. I'm insured, in the cloud, backed-up and we need a clear out anyway.
Which of your 2019 predictions have come to pass?
No predictions made; life's too short for that shit.
What TV show have you binge-watched this year? Game of Thrones - I watched seasons 1-7 in six weeks flat before the start of season 8. Fantastic story, characters and cinematography.
How has 2019 been from a business perspective?
It's been great; we've closed another record-breaking year and are going from strength to strength.
What annoys you most about your commute?
There are just too many cars on the road and it's a problem that's only increasing each year. It's time to make cars fly, that'd definitely make the commute more interesting.
If you could witness one important past event, what would it be? Bletchley Park when they cracked the enigma. I am really pleased that Alan Turing will be on the new £50 note but shame on our nation how he was treated.
How do you explain the channel to people?
I don't. I tell everyone I work in insurance, so they don't ask me to fix something.
What have been your favourite and least favourite partner conference destinations?
Seychelles and Reading - no explanation needed I guess.
What is the biggest challenge facing the channel in 2020?
Brexit and the aftermath from the end of October 2019 or beyond. By the time this is published we'll be dealing with whatever that looks like - deal or no deal, general election, hung parliament or extended indecision. It's not great for anyone, is it?
More on People
9 channel stalwarts reveal their 2021 predictions
We asked a number of channel veterans to sum up what they believe this year has in store for the tech sector
New North CEO Williams open up on plans to scale through M&A and becoming the UK's 'de facto' IoT player
The channel stalwart opens up to CRN about M&A plans, heading the new entity and what attracted him to his new role
Five hiring trends that will shape the next 12 months
Recruitment guru Marc Sumner picks out the five key trends that hiring bosses should be aware of in the coming year
Wick Hill founder departs Nuvias and sets up STEM not-for-profit business
Ian Kilpatrick’s new venture is designed to encourage children into STEM subjects at an early age
'Recruitment changes that would have taken years took days'
Channel Recruitment guru Marc Sumner looks back at the challenges the IT channel has had to face in the face of the pandemic
More news
Charterhouse boss: 'We will absolutely make more acquisitions this year'
Mark Brooks-Wadham reveals further M&A plans to CRN and why the UC market is seeing so much consolidation lately
BT sets up new 'Digital' technology unit
Organisation also undergoes leadership reshuffle as chief strategy and transformation officer Mike Sherman departs
Sapphire Systems expands US footprint with Pioneer B1 buyout
Deal marks second in five days for London-based Sapphire Systems
Wearables market lifted by Covid pandemic
Pandemic prompts spending boom on smartwatches, ear-worn devices and other wearables, Gartner figures show