Today, from postcardesque Peaks District, comes the interview from Allan Behrens, ex. Cambashi and now having started his own company called Taxal (blog, twitter). I bet you’ll never figure out where the name comes from but no, he doesn’t advises bankers and MP’s on avoiding the taxman.
1. What are your coverage areas?
We’re focused on the use and enablement of IT in industry and helping IT providers make it a reality. Our focus is on technologies, a sub-set of key business sectors, sales channels, business development and management and execution consulting
2. What are your opinions of the IT Analysis Marketplace and where do you see it going?
Many competent people, some with too little motivation to listen! With the recent spate of acquisitions it appears that the industry is moving closer to a two tiered environment – the very large and very small.
3. What’s your typical day like?
Emails, calls, research, publishing, projects and visits, often interspersed with operational issues and demands for attention from my better half.
4. Now, c’mon, tell me an AR horror story?
Not one regarding actual analysis per se. The most memorable nightmare I had on an analyst visit was when I missed a return flight from Dublin to Manchester; in this case an absolutely critical one scheduled to have me home in time to catch a holiday connection with my long-suffering wife. IBM’s AR team were stars in sorting out the chaos – wife was delighted (nay relieved)! Whew.
5. How do you position your firm? What is your business model?
Our revenues are principally vendor led with significant end-user touch and elements coming from governmental and investor communities. We publish insight and non-confidential research in the press and on our web site.
6. What is your research methodology?
This really depends on the project We are purely project led at this time. We tailor our methods and resource utilisation based on what’s needed to deliver the optimum output.
7. Tell us about one good AR practice you’ve experienced or one good AR event you’ve atttended.
Making sure the analysts actually get the collaterals they’re promised after an event – drives me nuts and costs time. Also being responsive is good practice……
8. What are your offerings and key deliverables?
Predominantly presentations, workshops, reports and publications
9. Any hobbies or favourite restaurant / food that you’d like to share?
Hmm tricky. Best food by far is my local pub but I wouldn’t want to name it in case it gets inundated and prices go up! Not too much of an issue as it’s in the Cheshire countryside and far from the madding crowd – friends can always contact me directly for the name.
10. What is your biggest challenges for the upcoming 6 months? And for the next 30 mn?
Next six month, continuing to grow the business (from a standing start late last year) and exceeding my customers expectations! Corny but true. Next 30 minutes, heads down to meet my deadlines (see second response of the first part of this question).
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