Who are you? I’ m managing director of connectivity specialists TrellisWorks. With over 25 years’ experience in the industry, I am proud to oversee our dedicated team of experts that help keep the world connected. From wireless networks and structured cabling to integrated security and building management systems, we help transform technical problems into seamless solutions.

What is your connection with the London Chamber of Commerce? I regularly take part in events and discussions and you can expect to find me at technology, construction, infrastructure, security, hospitality and transport events.

What was your first job in London? Living outside the capital, I’ ve never had a role that gave me a permanent base there so I have always travelled into the city when needed. The first job that saw me travelling to London was as a delivery driver back in my early 20s. This was long before the onset of smartphones or even satnavs, so all my routes were planned with AA route maps or a trusty London A-Z.

Which one business achievement over the last 12 months are you most proud of, and why? We are a business built on

trust and reputation. It is always rewarding when longstanding clients continue to chose to work with us and partners extend collaborations. This year we have celebrated our continued commitments with partners GTT and supporting building management system upgrades at the Ministry of Defence.

If you were advising a young entrepreneur, which businessperson would you suggest as a model? The difficulty with following in someone’ s footsteps is you aren’ t forging your own path, and that determination and innovation is what entrepreneurs need more than anything. Just because it works one way for someone doesn’ t mean it will work that way for you. So, I would encourage any entrepreneurs to be true to themselves and lead with honesty and integrity. True entrepreneurs don’ t follow a formula; they have a vision and stay true to themselves.

How do you think the transport system in London can be improved? London’ s transport system is iconic, and more than two million tube journeys take place in the capital every day. However, I would like to see London invest in greater use of the waterways connecting the city for tourists. By creating a more connected waterway network for visitors, it would leave more space

for business commuters to travel and provide a leisurely and unique way to explore the city.

Which piece of red tape causes the most problems for your company and why? Budget changes always create more work for businesses with National Insurance, minimum wage increases and other government changes always having knock-on effects across the business.

What is your favourite and least favourite thing about London? Live music is something that I really enjoy and there is a huge gig culture in the capital that makes it very easy to find someone to watch whenever I am there. From large arenas to more low-key live venues, London has a real buzz when it comes to live music. With so much going on, there is literally something for everyone, so it is difficult to find something not to like but I do have to admit the hustle

and bustle of the crowded streets, especially in the summer months, can be a bit claustrophobic. But maybe that’ s just me getting older!

If you were Mayor of London for the day which one thing would you change? Reduce business rates for hospitality and gig venues. London thrives on its culture and hospitality and it is important they are given the opportunity to flourish.

Who would you consider an appropriate person to play you in a movie of your life? I don’ t know if this is a good thing or not, but people have suggested Edward Norton.

What is your favourite quotation? Not exactly a quotation, but the line from John Lennon’ s Beautiful

Boy:” Life is what happens to you while you’ re busy making other plans.”

www. trellisworks. co. uk