Piers Harrison - Managed Services Specialist

Contact Piers

How did you get where you are today?

I joined Ericsson on leaving university, as a logistics manager, working in the UK and the Netherlands. I moved on to special projects in Europe for a year, working for the UK managing director, then joined the UK managed service division and looked after P&L and operations for the BBC (at that time Ericsson's largest and longest-standing customer) for two years as Business Manager. I then set up an MS Business Development Unit, looking after pre-sales, consulting & service development. I subsequently moved to Damovo, heading up service development for global managed services, working in Europe and Latin America. When I left Damovo, I practiced freelance consulting for two years, working with companies such as Mitel on service strategy. After consulting for Logicalis, I joined as an employee at the end of 2005.

What are you working on right now?

It's been a very successful year to date in terms of new managed services business - the largest year-on-year growth in the line of business in Logicalis' history. Most of my time at present is spent between the contractual and operational transition of those new contracts - such as the Welsh Assembly, Guardian, M&S and Plymouth - to live service, and keeping momentum by maintaining a strong pipeline; there are a number of further opportunities I'm hopeful for in the latter part of the year. In addition to developing the business plan for next year, collectively as a team we're also focusing significant effort in developing collateral, sales tools and pricing models and a big push in terms of marketing and PR.

Who or what has been the greatest influence on your career to date?

I was fortunate in the early years of my career to have been mentored by two managing directors who provided me with exposure to a wide range of business roles. This gave me grounding in a broad set of skills, and helped me make an informed decision on the future focus of my career. Working internationally has been one of my best experiences - working in different markets & cultures, with different sales teams and customers - very challenging but a lot of fun. Similarly, working for myself for a few years gave me a wider experience in the UK market, and taught me some very useful general business skills.

Who in business do you most admire - and why?

Gordon Ramsay. He came from a humble background with a lot of adversity, and through determination, force of character and hard graft, has built himself to the top of his field. Despite his image, he also inspires tremendous loyalty amongst those who work for and with him.

What aspect of your job do you find most satisfying?

Diversity. Every day is different: different places, different faces, and different customers. And I get a degree of freedom in how I work.

What has been your most valuable lesson learnt?

Accepting when you're wrong, and never taking anything or anyone for granted.

Which are your favourite websites and blogs?

BBC for news, Reuters & ZDNet for business, Drudge for world picks, YouTube for entertainment, and my iGoogle homepage - it brings everything I need into one place.

How do you spend your downtime? Where? With who?

Food - I cook pretty well every night, just for me and my girlfriend, or for a bunch of friends, I find it a great way of winding down. My house - I've been renovating for the last year. When I get the time - mountain biking, shooting, and there's usually a monthly poker night.

What lifetime ambition have you yet to achieve?

Retire young.

Tell us one thing that most people don't know about you...

When I was younger I helped teach windsurfing in Robin Hood's Bay.