Alex Tatham

Managing director, Westcoast

What was your dream career as a child?

Radio 1 DJ - I'm more Radio 4 these days!

What has been your personal highlight of 2019?

England winning the Cricket World Cup!

Which famous person deserves a (gentle) slap?

Neville Chamberlain before the Munich summit in 1938.

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

A portrait of my father and my top hat!

Which of your 2019 predictions have come to pass?

That Westcoast would grow by the largest amount in its history (still a prediction but a safe one!).

What TV show have you binge watched this year?

Chernobyl - amazing mini-series and scarily true.

How has 2019 been from a business perspective?

Strong in so many areas of our business. Westcoast led on Brexit which, despite the uncertainty, has made no impact. Now with a new large warehouse due on stream by the end of this year, 2020 looks strong too.

What annoys you most about your commute?

The four-year roadworks scheduled to turn the M4 into a smart motorway. When it finishes, Heathrow starts. I will have retired before the M4 runs properly again!

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

The Munich summit in 1938.

How do you explain the channel to people?

The most dynamic way that IT is delivered to the widest range of end-users.

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

Venice answers both questions - it's a privilege just to be in such an amazing place but getting around is painful.

What is the biggest challenge facing the channel in 2020?

The unrelenting excellence of Westcoast - why buy anywhere else?