Craig Hume

MD, Utopia Computers

What has been your business highlight of 2022?

Getting to spend lots of time with my team physically together in meetings and working on projects has been amazing. During the Covid restrictions, I greatly missed the creative flow I get when working side-by-side with talented people.

If you were ruler of your own country, what law would you introduce first?

Over 2.6 million children living in UK households now experience food insecurity. So I'd introduce a law that ensured no child in the UK went hungry again.

Which channel or tech leader (outside of your own company) has impressed you most in 2022?

Steven Lightfoot from Next Gen IT is my top pick. He is both a great friend and an inspiring mentor. With a genuine Go-Giver attitude and an energising vision, I've been inspired by him many times this year.

If you had a warning label, what would it say?

"Warning: contains cheese - from Dad jokes to being overly optimistic." I'm the king of cheese!

What was your first job?

When I was six, I bottled tadpoles and tried to sell them to my neighbours. I don't remember selling any, but one neighbour rewarded my entrepreneurial spirit by giving me some sweets.

What was the last book you read, and was it any good?

Born to Run: The Hidden Tribe, the Ultra-Runners, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen. A fantastic book that eloquently illustrates our ability to run far. By the end, I had been convinced that we are indeed all born to run.

What's the most important lesson you've learned from another business leader or mentor?

My Dad taught me that a problem shared is a problem halved and by having good people around you, a solution is never far away.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?

My family and I love Chris Pratt, and he seems like the type of guy you could have a lot of fun getting to know. He also loves 1980s music, so it would be a win-win!