Antony Byford

clock • 3 min read

What has been your personal highlight of 2020?

Having the opportunity to spend more time with my two children and the option to teach them a little. Sebastian's reading has developed hugely in the past six months. And yes, as much as that has been super difficult while still supporting teams and my business, it has been a joy.

Which three celebrities would you invite to a Zoom party?

Captain Sir Tom Moore would be my first. A true inspiration and someone who will have some amazing stories of strength, determination and real sacrifice.

Second, Jose Mourinho. Being a Spurs fan, I'd give him a good talking to on team selection.

Kevin Bridges, a Scottish comedian who I've become a fan of over the last six months and genuinely makes me cry with laughter with his sketches.

What has been your guiltiest lockdown pleasure?

I invested in a Peloton late last year which has come into its own over the last six months. I've clocked up over 3,000 miles, lost 10lbs in weight, gained muscle but still enjoy a typical channel diet. I'm #TonyB77 for those fellow Pelotoners who want to connect and fancy a race.

Which tech figurehead has inspired you most this year, and why?

Anyone who is trying to help deliver sustainable energy and makes money while doing it inspires me. Elon Musk's vision for the world's transition to sustainable energy excites me as I love cars, but not the price of a Tesla.

What piece of technology, or app, have you not been able to do without during the pandemic?

Simply having a secure connection from home so I can access the wide range of applications I use for business.

If you could be anyone else for a week, who would you be and what would you do?

My first act as Donald Trump would be to make peace with all those I offended and made suffer at the stupid decisions I made. I would then lift global trade restrictions and jump back in bed with the World Health Organisation. I would divorce my long-suffering wife, so she could meet someone she deserves, then retire with immediate effect to somewhere no-one could find me.

Do you miss face-to-face events?

Yes and no as I've kept meeting partners and vendors frequently at small events over the summer, sticking to government rules and mainly on a golf course, keeping relationships ticking along. The big ones, certainly and will miss this year's CRN Awards shindig in Battersea Evolution.

How will COVID leave its mark on the way the channel operates long term?

I've said for some time now: if the time scheduled for a meeting is half the time it takes to travel to it, then stop! Not only does the three hours a day you get back help with an improved work-life balance, but you can get much more done by managing your time better. Productivity is king.

Video fatigue is real, but the channel has proved that using collaboration tools can change lives for the better.

You may also like
Westcon CEO: 'The talent shortage is still a prominent issue, but layoffs could be an opportunity'

Distributor

CRN spoke to Westcon-Comstor's CEO David Grant about the distributor’s prime objectives for the year ahead

clock 30 May 2023 • 4 min read
Strong cybersecurity and networking growth deliver 'record annual revenue' for Westcon-Comstor

Distributor

The distributor’s total revenue was up 18.3 per cent to $3.42bn in its FY23

clock 23 May 2023 • 1 min read
'This is now the central place for partners to interact with us': Westcon-Comstor launches first marketplace

Distributor

Westcon CTO Rakesh Parbhoo talks us through the new PartnerCentral marketplace and partner needs

clock 04 April 2023 • 4 min read

Sign up to our newsletter

The best news, stories, features and photos from the day in one perfectly formed email.

More on People

Performanta CEO Guy Golan becomes chairman

Performanta CEO Guy Golan becomes chairman

The Maidenhead-based MSSP co-founder adds a third role to his job title

Kelsey Rees
clock 08 April 2024 • 2 min read
Channel veteran Smee pops up as CEO of cloud analysis vendor

Channel veteran Smee pops up as CEO of cloud analysis vendor

Grahame Smee, best known for his serial M&A success in the security distribution space, is looking to work with channel partners after taking the reins at Opexx Ltd

Sara Yirrell
clock 11 January 2024 • 2 min read
Former UKFast founder and CEO found guilty of rape in Manchester court

Former UKFast founder and CEO found guilty of rape in Manchester court

Following allegations of raping two women, Lawrence Jones was found guilty in court today

Andrea Gaini
clock 23 November 2023 • 1 min read

Highlights

Staff & Salaries 2022

Staff & Salaries 2022

A snapshot of pay and headcount trends in the UK channel

Doug Woodburn
clock 09 March 2022 • 1 min read
Midwich CEO on Nimans acquisition, 2021 results and return to pre-pandemic levels

Midwich CEO on Nimans acquisition, 2021 results and return to pre-pandemic levels

Stephen Fenby talks to CRN after Midwich’s 2021 results in which profitability exceeded pre-pandemic levels

Josh Budd
clock 08 March 2022 • 3 min read
4 more vendors suspend sales in Russia following Ukraine invasion

4 more vendors suspend sales in Russia following Ukraine invasion

IBM and Microsoft are among a number of vendors which have also announced that they will halt sales in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

clock 08 March 2022 • 3 min read