01732 759725 50 AND FINALLY David Tulip, Managing Director, Network Group 60 seconds with… What’s currently having the greatest impact on your business? Across the Network Group community (80+ Technology Service Providers (TSPs) across UK&I) I would say it is people, in particular attracting and retaining talent. Where do you see the next big opportunity? AI and bots are no longer the preserve of the corporate space, and I believe that we’re going to see a huge shift in the way that TSPs deliver customer service and in particular first line support, with these technologies. We are working with an organisation called pia and they are making lots of noise within the MSP community, smaller companies are going to adopt AI and bots and I see it as the next big opportunity for driving change in how we deliver services. What would make your day job easier? The ability for me to say no more often! I naturally want to help and connect people. I’d also love to lose email – my inbox is constantly overflowing with unread messages. What’s the best bit of business advice you’ve been given? I can’t recall a specific piece of advice I was given, however if the shoe was on the other foot I would advise people to be authentic - ‘be you, and do things your way, with your personality and uniqueness’. If you had had a crystal ball, would you have done anything differently? Not at all. Naturally, there are some things you’d correct, but mistakes are part of who you are and you learn from them. Describe your most embarrassing moment. I have gathered an entire library of these over the years, hopefully adding to them less as I get older! One that springs to mind right now is one my wife reminds me of from time to time. We were holidaying on Koh Chang (an Island off South East Thailand) and had returned back to our ‘beach shack’. I’d had a few drinks, (Ruth was expecting and stone cold sober) apparently I wasn’t happy about leaving the beach party so I went running back across a little bridge … nothing wrong with that – but I wasn’t wearing any clothes allegedly! www.nbg.co.uk What was your first job? I was the worst morning paper boy ever, I excelled on the evening rounds, before progressing into kitchen portering (washing up!) whilst still at school to earn money. As an adult, it was computer programming. What would be your dream job? Well, it’s a bit late in the day to become a professional footballer so… I am going to be a tad cliché and tell you I am in my perfect job. I really mean that! It took me until 50 years of age to land my perfect role as Managing Director at Network Group, one which sees me introducing, connecting, influencing and making a difference in an industry I love. Fine dining and good wine, or curry and a pint? I do like a bit of fine dining and a nice wine! How do you like to spend your spare time? This season watching Arsenal (not so much so in previous years). I also enjoy playing backgammon. Money’s not an issue, what’s your perfect car… and where would you like to drive it? Funnily enough I’m not really a car freak – I’d rather have money in my pocket but if you’re gifting me the car, I’d like a classic Alfa Romeo Spider and I’d drive it down the Amalfi coast. David Tulip Favourite holiday destination? Rio de Janeiro – it really is the best place in the world.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDUxNDM=