
While working as a building services engineer it became clear that there wasn’t the same quality of information and plain-speaking common sense around business IT as there was for heating, ventilating, and air conditioning. Just networks, CAD, and plotters back then, no internet, no email, no Google!
I realised there was an opportunity to fill that gap so I started working for myself in 1998. The information gap has changed now because technology has become easier to configure and use, meaning that most computer users don’t need to know anything about how it works to get acceptable results – just like cars!
And also just like cars, the benefits are greater now but the risks haven’t got any less and still need researching, interpreting, and explaining.
I used to think James Burke had the coolest job on TV, helping people understand everything about the Apollo missions. I’m really lucky because, 50 years on from Apollo 11 landing on the moon, I’m able to do James Burke’s job in our own niche by helping people get the best out of their business technology.
What makes me happy: Birdsong – blackbirds in the garden, skylarks in the hills, oystercatchers on the beach
Favourite colour: Orange
Around the office I am: Impatient
Most used word: Excellent
Describe myself in one word: Curious (or nosey, you choose)
Would like to meet: Bert Jansch (but he’s dead); John Renbourn (oops he’s dead too); John James (still with us!)