Warren Colby - Managing Director, Agilico Print Division
Did you always envisage a career in the world of Technology?
I have always been interested in technology and remain so today. I come from an era of the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum gaming consoles, so if you call playing games on the equivalent of the Xbox in the 80s technology! It’s fair to say, tech did intrigue me and a subject that I did well at in school, learning basic programming which resulted in me achieving a CSE Grade 1.
What tips would you give to someone looking to work in the industry?
Obviously, todays tech differs slightly from the 80’s, where you have so much more availability to content and information at a keystroke, so the tips of today may not be exactly the same as they did back then, but I would encourage anyone who is keen on utilising tech to join the industry for sure. Tips – immerse yourself in AI and embrace the process powers it provides, but more importantly learn how to articulate what these IT empowered systems can do in lay terms, so everyone can appreciate its value, and you too can become credible.
Tell us about the most exciting project you’re currently working on?
My role means that I am working on multiple projects, some exciting and some not so. It also differs massively week to week. Last week I was stood up at our sales conference, speaking to 90 people and this part of my role is exciting as you get the opportunity to coach younger salespeople on how they can progress their careers, whereas this week I am moving 60 people from their office in Edinburgh to a brand new state of the art remanufacturing site which is exciting times for them and me.
Tell us about the Agilico team?
Agilico employs just over 400 people across the width and breath of the UK. As any business owner or entrepreneur will tell you, a company is made up of people, all are important. It is also essential that you build a culture that allows employees to grow, to challenge the status quo and have their say. Obviously the larger you get the more important it is for management to understand what customers require and more importantly how we as a business react to changing times to ensure we deliver first class support and knowledge, and this can only be achieved by investing in your teams and supporting them to develop.
What are the long-term plans for the business?
To grow all parts of the business by being better than others at what we do and by diversifying our product portfolio to meet the needs of our clients. We will utilise current and future technology to make work easy.
What’s your favourite piece of technology?
From a personal point of view, it must be my Robot Mower and Robot Window Cleaner, they save time and energy and produce a better finish than me. Form a business perspective it has to be the office automation tools, which also save our client’s time.
Do you have any heroes or mentors?
I have always admired Richard Branson and his desire to challenge the status quo and provide a product and service which rivals and exceed his competitors. He was fearless when starting business and took challenges in his stride. I first read his autobiography in 2002 and would recommend it to anyone.
What’s your fondest career memory?
A cliché but there have been so many from starting my own business at 25 to qualifying for the UK best sales performers which entitled me to attend the Japan & Germany World Cups on all expenses paid trips come to mind.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
I have to say, I didn’t really get any advice on business when growing up. Both my parents worked for others, and worked unsociable hours, so I suppose I didn’t want that lifestyle and wanted more. I do have a piece of advice though from my 37 years of working in the technology industry, work hard and don’t expect things to happen, make then happen yourself and don’t expect others to do it for you.
When not working how do you like to relax?
I love to spoil others and see their reaction. It doesn’t have to be a costly thing; it’s more about showing that I care and that I think about them. I also love to take my grown-up kids on holiday, take them places, and show them what lifestyle is possible when you work hard. When I’m not travelling, I love nothing more than spending time at home with my wife and our third child (Coco the Miniature Dachshund).
agilico.co.uk