It’s no secret that the global tech sector is advancing at an astonishingly rapid pace – not least in relation to the now integral role of digital transformation in spearheading growth and success. But no matter the size or scope or your organisation – or how sophisticated your innovation strategy is – the only way to drive significant change is to leverage the power of people.
So, to champion some of the industry’s finest talent, and gain some insight into the minds of individuals from across the tech space, we’re inviting friends and partners of the business to take part in our quickfire Q&A.
Up next, it’s Gary Saunders, managing director at CloudCoCo…
Tell us about your role at CloudCoCo and the part you play in the tech sector.
I have such a vast range of responsibilities, but some key elements of my role include overseeing the sales function, as well as CloudCoCo website enhancements, and developing our managed service function.
We’re a people-led business with a skilled team of experts who help customers gain a competitive edge. We supply modern, innovative IT solutions that underpin and support crucial business activities, whilst putting power back into the hands of customers.
What innovation was the turning point for your organisation, to get it to where you are now?
Throughout the course of our journey, we’ve had a number of key acquisitions that have taken us from the two-person company CloudCoCo was in 2018, to an industry leading organisation with a strong team of technical and customer-focused specialists.
And where’s next for your business?
There is still work to be done to enable the Group to reach its full potential, and the macro-economic environment remains unpredictable. But with the hard work that has taken place to lay the foundations for sustainable and profitable growth in the future, we are confident of continued progress in the second half and moving into FY23.
The biggest misconception faced by the tech sector is…
At the moment, it’s the fact everyone believes everything is about cloud.
While cloud has a major place in every successful tech strategy, people think it’s the only option. In reality, hybridity is the epitome of innovation, combining the benefits of traditional services, managed IT, and the cloud – rather than solely focusing on one element.
What do you think will be the biggest tech trend over the next 12 months?
People maximising the infrastructure and licencing they already have – and if this isn’t a key trend, it should be.
Microsoft is constantly evolving and as such, there are limitations on certain licencing which can have a real impact on business. Instead, it’s about maximising use and really hammering home the education piece.
Plus, in a time where cash is king for many, people are reluctant to spend money – if organisations make the most of what they already have and rinse their existing tools of their true worth, they’ll be in good stead.
What top tip would you give to an individual trying to excel in their tech career?
Be a sponge, soak up knowledge, and keep an open mind. There are so many people to learn from in this industry – don’t take the opportunity to seek advice for granted.
The next purchase on my personal tech wish list is…?
I’d love an electric car, but I’d say my personal goals are naturally driven by the business.
And what is your earliest memory of tech in your life?
Mobile phones – specifically, a flip-up Motorola StarTAC with a huge aerial. I worked with this kind of tech a lot in my early career.
What is one longstanding piece of tech you are shocked is still used today?
I’m amazed that people still use tape drives rather than having cloud backup. They’re so easy to damage or misplace, so there’s a significant risk of data loss.
For me it’s a no-brainer to leave tape drives in the past, but I think sometimes people are too reluctant to break old habits – even if it comes with such high stakes!
If you are without the internet for an hour, what would be the first activity you resort to, to pass the time?
I’d listen to talkSPORT on the radio and catch up with the latest – whether it’s football, cricket, rugby, or anything really.
I’ve always been a sporty person, and it’s such easy listening.
It is Sam’s turn in the spotlight this month, as he tells us about breaking into the tech industry, his love of gaming, and why Tesla’s innovations have been a real stand-out over the last 12 months…
How did you first get into the world of tech?
It’s always been more of a passion than anything. I loved gaming and anything sci-fi related from a young age, and as I grew older, I found a keen interest in building PC’s too.
So, when it came to planning out my career prospects, it seemed like the obvious choice to look at avenues in tech – not least because it’s such a fast-growing industry. I saw Vapour doing great things, and wanted to get my foot in the door.
And what is your earliest memory of tech in your life?
The Atari Joystick was my bread and butter for years. Pacman, Dig Dug – I used to play them all!
What’s the one quality you need to thrive in this environment (especially at Vapour)?
I’d say willingness to learn and try new things.
Both the tech industry and Vapour as a business are constantly evolving, and innovation never stands still – even the experts don’t know what’s on the horizon at times. That’s why it’s crucial to be open-minded to change and exploration.
And what is the one thing you would change about the tech sector?
The jargon. Technical language needs to be simpler across the board.
As much as tech is integrated into the world, there’s a lot of people who don’t know where to start – including employees. When I joined Vapour, I sought the role out directly because the team is so straight-talking and has a proven track record. Others might not be so lucky in getting that entry-level foot in the door.
Why do you think Vapour stands out in the channel?
First-class products are a given with Vapour, and the results they achieve are testament to their success.
But something that really stands out for me, above all else, is the level of customer service we offer. You can rely on the team 24/7, and customers are constantly firing positive feedback our way.
Complete the sentences:
The best piece of tech ever invented is...
The Gameboy. It was so ahead of its time in terms of portable gaming, and I spent hours on end during car trips as a child on it.
The next purchase on my (personal) tech wish list is...
A sturdier pair of headphones – mine always seem to be breaking!
A tech firm that has really stood out for me in the last 12 months is...
I’d have to say Tesla. Having studied environmental sciences at university, electric cars are something that really pique my interest. From supercharging stations to the energy storage Megapacks, they’re always doing something to disrupt the industry!
It’s no secret that the global tech sector is advancing at an astonishingly rapid pace – not least in relation to the now integral role of digital transformation in spearheading growth and success. But no matter the size or scope or your organisation – or how sophisticated your innovation strategy is – the only way to drive significant change is to leverage the power of people.
So, to champion some of the industry’s finest talent, and gain some insight into the minds of individuals from across the tech space, we’re inviting friends and partners of the business to take part in our quickfire Q&A.
Up next, it’s Ed Critchley – sales and marketing director at Cheshire-based telecommunications provider, Albeego. Take it away, Ed…
Tell us about your role at Albeego and the part you play in the tech sector.
Albeego offers an innovative way to provide broadband connectivity, whether static or on the move, even in the most hostile environments that are lacking in reliable or stable communications infrastructure. Our bonded technology can, for example, take the strongest cellular signals and combine them to give more secure and high throughput connectivity.
We are carrier agnostic, but even if that in itself is an issue, we can deliver connectivity over TV whitespace – so places such as desserts suddenly become ‘online’.
What innovation was the turning point for your organisation, to get it to where you are
now?
Comms is vital in the military environment – not least to help fulfil security needs – and the inventor of Albeego’s bonded technology had long known that there was a need for more stable and reliable internet connectivity upon his return to the UK from the Middle East in 2018.
Believe it or not, Albeego’s first router was made in a margarine tub, and the turning point was when high definition video could be seamlessly streamed on a train from Wigan to London – proving that the tech was successful! The router worked by connecting to multiple cellular towers and intuitively anticipating which ones should drop and join, while leaving other radios anchored.
And where’s next for your business?
We’re starting to tap into the realm of smart farming and agriculture, and are working with sector leaders to develop technology that we believe will revolutionise this sector going forward.
Food security is big on the agenda right now, and farming has to step up and improve its output to keep pace and become self-sufficient. It’s early days for IoT smart farming, but
Albeego plays a critical role in providing reliable connectivity and communications – whether that’s for tractors out in the field or automated machinery and robotics.
The biggest misconception faced by the tech sector is…
That innovation comes at a cost. Innovation is now going to be more affordable than any past investment from a hardware and tech perspective, and the ROI is growing rapidly. While cost might be presumed to be an initial barrier to implementing state-of-the-art products and solutions, what it replaces or improves makes the investment worth it in the long run – not only saving time and money, but also providing new benefits and features.
What do you think will be the biggest tech trend over the next 12 months?
Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) using IoT connectivity is really gathering pace at the minute. I’m sure there’ll be even more investment to come in those areas over the next year.
What top tip would you give to an individual trying to excel in their tech career?
I suppose this is a life rule too, but if it seemed like a good idea at the start, it probably is. Don’t let hurdles and doubts creep in and cloud your judgement, and don’t let self-sabotage talk you out of innovation.
Similarly, if you were never sure in the first place, that’s probably a sign to leave something and move on – knowing when to drop something is really critical to progress.
The next purchase on your personal tech wishlist is…?
I change my tech all the time for the latest iterations of existing products, such as my PC or phone, but I’m due an upgrade for my drone.
I love photography and video, and can often be found filming footage of interesting historical sites on my travels abroad, so it would be great to get the latest version for better camera capabilities.
And what is the earliest memory you have of tech in your life?
When I was a child, we went to Florida on a family holiday – it must have been around 1980 at Disney World, I remember taking a family picture and having it developed on a dot matrix printer – looking back, it doesn’t look much like us at all, but it was so cutting edge at the time. We were all totally wowed by it and showed our friends and family when we arrived home.
What is one longstanding piece of tech that you are shocked is still used today?
There are two that spring to mind:
1. AOL dial-up internet access – before broadband, people would use a standard phone line and an analogue modem to access the internet at one pence per minute, and over two million people still use it today! Perhaps it’s residents in rural places or those resistant to change who can’t move away from tradition, but this statistic is so bizarre to me. They clearly need an Albeego solution!
2. Vinyl – I used to DJ using vinyl when I was young and I loved it, but I’m amazed it’s made its way back into popularity. I thought its time had been and god for good!
If you are without the internet for an hour, what would be the first activity you resort to, to pass the time?
I’ve taken golf up recently again with my son, but would definitely need more than an hour for that, so I supposed I would read a book.
I’m a bit of a book collector, so have lots on the shelf that I could pick up. I’m quite sad that I actually have two copies of some books – one for reading and one to keep in perfect condition. It’s a mix of subject matter really, but mainly I love historical books with a slight twist – I’m currently reading one about Ancient Egypt, which is a bit of a hybrid between fiction and non-fiction.
I’m also currently co-authoring a book with a friend in Denmark about the Knights Templar, so perhaps I could pass some time putting pen to paper with ideas, too.
It is Jordan’s turn in the spotlight this month, as he tells us about his days of playing FIFA 2004 on a PlayStation 1, his hope to see flying Tesla cars, and how he thinks the best piece of tech invented is the smart phone.
How did you first get into the world of tech?
I initially wanted to be an electrician. Whilst I was doing my electrical courses in 2012, I was pleasantly introduced to my colleges 3x 48u racks full of cables, switches, and routers. Ever since I set my eyes on this, I was fixated. I asked my electrical tutor more questions about the rack than I did about 3 phase induction motors.
And what is your earliest memory of tech in your life?
My earliest memory has got to be playing FIFA 2004 on the PlayStation 1. I was bad at this game and probably experienced too many angry moments by not being able to score goals on easy mode.
As well as this, the first time I can remember being exposed to tech was having my first mobile phone – a Nokia 65000 – and downloading the soundtrack to ‘War of the Worlds’ from a well-known free website called ‘LimeWire’. I had to transfer it onto one phone and then Bluetooth it over to my own phone – this took 3 hours!
What’s the one quality you need to thrive in this environment (especially at Vapour)?
I wouldn’t pinpoint one skill specifically. To thrive I think people need to have multiple skills. For example, Vapour is full of individuals with a broad range of skillsets, and this is where I feel I fit in well.
I would say being diverse would make people thrive in any environment, especially at Vapour where technology is at its forefront.
And what is the one thing you would change about the tech sector?
I wouldn’t change anything. I think the direction we’re heading in should help develop the world and help us understand what we need to do in the future.
Although, I would like to see flying Tesla’s in a few years so if Elon can hurry up with that before I’m to old to drive and need a bus pass.
Why do you think Vapour stands out in the channel?
I think Vapour can service and manage any business model, with its vast range of technology offerings. There aren’t many companies out there that can offer this many and be good at it.
Vapour offers numerous products that are great and still provides excellent service to the market.
Complete the sentences:
The best piece of tech ever invented is... a Smart Phone
The next purchase on my (personal) tech wish list is... an 8k TV 65”, keychron k2 keyboardA tech firm that has really stood out for me in the last 12 months is... Amazon
Vapour’s head of transformation and operations, Carol McGrotty, recently took part in a Q&A session for a feature on women in tech, with PCR magazine. If you missed it, you can read the article in full here...
1. Please could you provide name, job title, company
Carol McGrotty, Head of Transformation & Operations, Vapour
2. What is your professional background and how has this contributed to your current working position?
I joined the tech sector at the start of 2000, following a seven-year period working in insurance. Initially, this was in a provisioning role delivering projects to enterprise and public sector customers, whilst also contributing to process improvement workstreams and new-to-market product launches.
Having curiosity, a drive for purposeful transformation and a collaborative approach within the industry are still fundamentals in my position at Vapour today, as much as they were back when I began my tech journey.
3. What are your experiences of being a female tech leader?
For me it has always been a very positive experience, and I often refer to the fact that I am lucky in this regard – on reflection I wonder why this is, as surely it should be the norm for all females in this industry. When I started out in tech I had some very strong, knowledgeable and inspiring female leaders around me – who also then became my mentors. Having had this grounding from the start of my career in tech has made me feel extremely passionate about being the same to other upcoming females.
4. What challenge have you encountered, if any, being a female in the tech sector?
Not so much of a challenge, but as I attend events, meetings and focus groups, I can often be the only female in the room. At first, I could have seen this as a challenge – coupled with making it clear that you aren’t in attendance simply to take the minutes! But this is where relationship building comes to the fore, as does knowing your topic well, showing passion, listening to other peoples’ view points, and not trying to be someone else. As a female in tech if you’ve earned your right for a seat at the table, then you absolutely should be there.
5. What are your interests and passions in regards to working in the tech channel?
A key part of my role at Vapour is promoting our culture, leading by example on our company values and behaviours, and encouraging and supporting our teams in doing the same – through initiatives, committees, focus groups and sponsors. This aligns to another of my real passions, sustainability – not just at Vapour, but also within the industry as a whole and among our clients, by supporting their digital transformation with sustainable decisions. Our ESG strategy and execution is paramount.
6. How can the channel drive greater diversity in the sector?
We need diversity in the sector from the floor level to the boardroom, to ensure there are a diverse range of views – this is particularly the case in tech, where innovation plays such a vital role. Having this as a value and behaviour within the business, shows the support that comes from board level, and the role everyone can play. By opening up discussions at department meetings, and even having a committee in place to be involved in driving change where needed, it is important to think outside the box to accommodate everyone, and continue to push for diversity and consider all needs.
7. How can the channel look to attract more females into leadership positions in the channel?
There is evidence to show that having females in leadership and board positions can improve performance and attract more female talent into businesses, particularly in roles that would previously have been deemed male-orientated such as engineering.
Having policies such as split maternity/paternity leave, advertising job salaries to be transparent and ensuring female mentoring programmes are in place, all helps, as well as supporting on leadership and training programmes, and reviewing how job adverts are written (in less masculine language). Our male colleagues can be allies in this too – it is not just a female subject to drive and champion.
Cloud technology specialist Vapour has announced its expansion in Leeds city centre with new workspace in tech hub Platform. This news coincides with two new additions to the company’s engineering team, as the business furthers its fast-paced growth plans.
The additional workspace at Leeds’ well-known coworking space, Platform – adjacent to the railway station – increasing Vapour’s network across the UK, with its HQ in Huddersfield, and satellite bases already in Glasgow, London, and Lancashire.
Vapour’s duo of hires includes cloud voice UC engineer, Graeme McCabe who joins Vapour having worked with Avaya systems for the last five years. In his new role, Graeme will install, troubleshoot, and manage all changes on Vapour’s platforms, working alongside the team to ensure customers have a smooth transition and quality ongoing support.
Further strengthening Vapour’s cloud and networking resources, Jordan Stephenson – as senior cloud and network engineer – will ensure the resilience and efficiencies of Vapour’s services. Focusing on maintenance and diagnostics, as well as uplift and project work around the network infrastructure and cloud environment, his strong background in information technology, following his previous role as network lead at Contrac IT, will be a great asset to the technical team.
Tim Mercer, CEO of Vapour, commented: “This is a promising time for the company as we scale to meet the demands of our customers and the ever-growing cloud market. Our new hires Graeme and Jordan will be a huge asset to our technical team, and I welcome them onboard.
Announcing our new workspace at Platform is also a proud moment for me as we’ll share the building with some of the region’s most innovative tech companies. To be able to offer my growing team access to more vibrant office space in a new city is a key part of our ongoing recruitment strategy – not to mention our accessibility for customers seeking face to face time – and I look forward to expanding further throughout the year.”
Two new graduate sales recruits are also set to join Vapour soon, in a fresh collaboration with Pareto Law.
The search is also on for a sales and marketing administrator, with the vacancy now open.
From landing client contracts and speaking at industry events, to securing recognition for our impact and embarking on fundraising endeavours, it’s been an exciting time for Vapour. And as we prepare to launch into our tenth year of growth, we’re yet to see our trajectory stall.
That’s why we’re seeking a new sales and marketing administrator to welcome into the fold immediately. This will be a critical role at the heart of a busy and growing sales team, with an opportunity to also work closely with our CEO and head of communications.
The world is your oyster too. Vapour is passionate about nurturing and retaining talent with tailored career development plans. This role could therefore evolve with progression opportunities in the sales/marketing teams or office management, in the future.
Right now, the priority is the appointment of a committed, outgoing and diligent self-starter, who is extremely organised, has a ‘can do’ attitude, and is looking to grow in a company that cares about its people, customers, charity (Borne), and the environment.
Discover more specifics of the role on offer…
Job title: Sales and Marketing Administrator
Location: Heritage Exchange, Huddersfield
Our vibrant office is located in the heart of a restored textiles mill in Lindley, 5 minutes from the M62 and less than 10 minutes from Huddersfield train station. The bustling location has an on-site deli cafe, gym (with discounted membership for employees), spa, free parking, hair salon, and more.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am-5:30pm
This is a full-time position, but flexible working is offered as standard.
Responsibilities include:
Holidays: 20 days per calendar year, plus birthday holiday
Holidays increase 1 day per year following 1 year of service at the start of each holiday calendar – up to a maximum of 5 days.
Additional benefits include:
About the company: Vapour was founded in November 2013, coming to the market with a cloud-first mission that sought to disrupt, innovate, and demystify the world of tech. Since then, we’ve helped organisations of all shapes and sizes unlock significant growth with high-performance strategic technology.
While technology is exciting, innovations starts with people. That’s why we’re known just as much for our team as we are our toolkit, and why each new hire plays an integral role in helping shape our future.
Relevant experience is desirable for this role, but not essential, as full training will be provided to the successful candidate.
So, whether you’re starting out on a new career path, or have a rich history in the sales and marketing industry, we look forward to hearing from you.
Apply now, by sending your CV to: careers@vapourcloud.com
It’s Kian Jackson’s turn in the spotlight this month. Kian has joined the team as part of a work experience programme, as he completes his T-Level qualifications at Calderdale College. With aspirations of one day becoming a senior network engineer, discover how his passion for all things coding and tech have led him here, and his experience with the Vapour team so far. He shares all in our latest Q&A.
Take it away Kian…
How did you first get into the world of tech?
When I was in Secondary School, we covered the basics of simplistic coding, which was my first introduction into working in tech. When it came to choosing my career path, I took the T-Level approach which has allowed me to advance and develop my knowledge, technical ability and skills in the sector. I’m so grateful for these more technical-based qualifications, as I’ve been able to explore the subject in much more detail, with industry examples.
Undertaking work placement opportunities like this with Vapour also allows me to gain real-life experiences to put what I am learning into practice. It’s been a valuable experience so far.
And what is your earliest memory of tech in your life?
Watching my brother play on his computer when I was younger stands out as my earliest memory. He mostly used it to play video games and have fun exploring digital technology – I remember being so surprised at what was possible with such small devices.
What’s the one quality you need to thrive in this environment (especially at Vapour)?
Creativity and an open mind. In tech there are always a range of different outcomes and ways of doing things. You should be open to options and alternative methods to really excel, rather than being tempted to stick with how it’s always been done previously.
And what is the one thing you would change about the tech sector?
I’d like there to be more straight-talking people in tech. When you’re first starting out it’s hard to find mentors and learn from people in different specialist areas. It’s a complex industry and often encounters some barriers in terms of buy-in from colleagues – with more people who understand its capabilities, we could break down those blockers.
Why do you think Vapour stands out in the channel?
I’ve been really impressed by how the channel works and the partnerships Vapour has within the industry. These collaborations – in addition to the team’s technical experience – means it’s possible to deliver highly personalised and powerful solutions relevant to organisations’ individual needs.
Complete the sentences:
The best piece of tech ever invented is...
The computer. Just think how reliant we are on its existence, every day at work. In both a personal and professional environment, it allows us to access so much information and has capabilities that very few of us truly capitalise on.
I could say something like the CPU or RAM, but one doesn’t work without the other, so for me it has to be the overall machine itself.
The next purchase on my (personal) tech wishlist is...
A more powerful computer… can you sense a running theme?
It’s great to be able to update specs so you aren’t limited to what you can do, giving me much more variety. Increasing the process power and graphics capabilities will also help with my development in the coding world too.
A tech firm that has really stood out for me in the last 12 months is...
It’s hard to say – most brands that I’m familiar with in the industry often have to collaborate and work together to ensure compatibility across devices, so it’s hard to identify just one.
The biggest misconception in the channel is...
The complexity of code. It’s a completely different language but isn’t given the same acknowledgement. People only see the front-end that’s meant to be viewed by the end-user, without understanding what goes on behind the scenes or what it is truly capable of.
By the end of 2022, our tech will have made organisations far more...
Versatile. Often people use technology to fill a particular need, but it can offer so much more than that if you ask the right questions of teams like Vapour.
It’s no secret that the global tech sector is advancing at an astonishingly rapid pace – not least in relation to the now integral role of digital transformation in spearheading growth and success. But no matter the size or scope or your organisation – or how sophisticated your innovation strategy is – the only way to drive significant change is to leverage the power of people.
So, to champion some of the industry’ finest talent, and gain some insight into the minds of individuals from across the tech space, we’re inviting friends and partners of the business to take part in our quickfire Q&A.
Up next, it’s Craig Webster – contracts manager at award-winning IT service provider, Mint Support. Take it away, Craig…
Tell us about your role at Mint Support and the part you play in the tech sector.
As contracts manager, I’m responsible for maintaining and developing relationships with our new and existing customers – I’m always on the lookout for improvements in both service and delivery. Mint provides managed support services, primarily for the education sector, but also for businesses too.
What innovation was the turning point for your organisation, to get it to where you are now?
IT is continually developing, so keeping abreast of developments and being able to support customers through these changes is key. You could say that the PC and internet were the innovations that allowed us to ‘exist’, and their continuous developments mean we are always working alongside new technology.
And where’s next for your business?
We’re migrating into communication technology and making the most of remote tools to deliver services to customers further afield.
The biggest misconception faced by the tech sector is…
That technology will solve everything.
What do you think will be the biggest tech trend over the next 12 months?
Further development in AI and automation – that is definitely a trend I expect to see grow. I also think that we will see much more focus on sustainability and greener solutions within the tech space over the coming months.
What top tip would you give to an individual trying to excel their tech career?
Remember that technology is there to make life better for the end user. At the end of the day, you’re dealing with people.
The next purchase on my personal tech wishlist is…?
I’d love a drone – using that technology to capture creative video and photography appeals to me.
What is one longstanding piece of tech that you are shocked is still used today?
The vinyl record – but I’m glad it still exists.
If you are without the internet for an hour, what would be the first activity you resort to, to pass the time?
I’m a simple guy who remembers a time before the internet, so I can think of plenty of things. For me, I enjoy getting out of the house for a long walk and spending time with my family and friends. I think that sometimes, even if the internet is working fine, we should switch off, as it is easy to get distracted.
It’s Katie’s turn in the spotlight this month. Here she shares the role communications can play in driving tech sector change, the need for energy in our business, and what journalists REALLY think about Vapour…
How did you first get into the world of tech?
I come from the comms side of tech and started out in the industry in 2006. I worked for a PR agency with a varied client base, at the time, but naturally gravitated towards the ‘geekier’ of businesses. These were the stories I found the most thought-provoking, especially if you could debunk the jargon and relate to stakeholders at any level. In 2013, I left to focus solely on technical communications – and ‘ta dah’, here I am at Vapour.
And what is your earliest memory of tech in your life?
I had a rainbow-coloured kids’ typewriter, not long after I could walk. As I grew up, I advanced to a PC, practically the size of our dining table!
What’s the one quality you need to thrive in this environment (especially at Vapour)?
One is hard, as there are lots of values that differentiate Vapour in a crowded tech space. But I’d probably say energy. The pace of innovation is fast, and the appetite to solve customers’ challenges never stops. This is in the DNA of the whole team, not just the CEO, which means there’s always something to talk about. This energy keeps us all moving forward.
And what is the one thing you would change about the tech sector?
The perception that all suppliers exploit how complex it is. This view suggests dishonesty or a lack of transparency – and don’t get me wrong, some companies will take advantage of how ‘green’ customers can be. But that’s not Vapour – and I’m sure there are other companies equally passionate about banishing this misconception. Yes, it’s complicated sometimes, but there’s always a way to explain it, honestly and respectfully so that everyone in the room can make informed decisions.
Why do you think Vapour stands out in the channel?
I am genuinely proud of the Vapour brand. I don’t just mean the logo (although it’s cool, right?) I mean the reputation Vapour has carved for itself, despite not being the biggest player – we’re not nestled in a city centre tech district either. But I spoke to a journalist the other day and he said: “I used to think you punched above your weight – and I admired Vapour for that. Now I realise you rightfully have a seat at the table.”
Quite often, it’s Vapour bringing new innovations to market, and word is continually spreading – especially because we’re so human in our approach. And I’m on a mission to keep telling that story, so more people know it!
Complete the sentences:
The best piece of tech ever invented is... any device to play music – I couldn’t be without it.
The next purchase on my (personal) tech wishlist is... probably a kiddy gadget – I’m a mum of two girls under four, so let’s face it, practically every penny goes on them. One thing I’d love someone to invent, is a savvy device that knows what I’m thinking and types it up for me. If someone could please let me know if it already exists, that’d be great!
A tech firm that has really stood out for me in the last 12 months is... Champion Health – a digital employee wellbeing platform.
The biggest misconception in the channel is that... it’s all smoke and mirrors. Let’s have more conversations that everyone can understand – that’s when businesses will rightfully get excited about what tech can do.
By the end of 2022, our tech will have made organisations far more... efficient. Whether that’s in terms of collaborating with colleagues, moving traffic securely around the network, or automating even the simplest of processes to free up the time of their workforce.
