News & Notes How would you compare the Asian and Australian tech industries? Living in Malaysia for three years was an amazing experience both professionally and socially, and I would certainly recommend it to everyone. The major differences are: ‘mature market thinking’ versus ‘emerging market thinking’. This can result in very surprising behaviours and results. There are instances where big bold projects are easier to achieve in Asia due to the lack of legacy systems in place, and then others where infrastructure dependency made some things very hard. The Asian market has a pulse and energy that is driving a number of technology trends, including mobility and Social Networking. Asia also looks to Australia for examples of best practice, new ideas and emerging trends. I was constantly being asked about how Australian businesses are adopting new technologies. Given how close trade links are between Australia and the broader Asia market, this opens up many opportunities for businesses to develop new markets, alliances and customer connections. What do you do to unwind? Spending time with family, friends etc. One of my favourite activities in terms of sport is road cycling. 18 months ago, eight of us participated in a bike ride from Perth to Sydney and we are hoping to do this again next year. It had been an aspiration to do this for eight years. Training three hours every day on a stationary bicycle is very tedious, but it prepares you for the boredom of the Nullabor. In doing the ride you consume around 6,500 calories a day, so three tins of cold baked beans with tuna and soya sauce became a culinary experience, one you do not see on Master Chef! The best part of the day was the 5am ride watching the sunrise across the outback – spectacular. What makes you laugh? Funny thing, being British by birth I have a dry sense of humour and need to have fun in what I do. What is your favourite piece of technology? I have two – having been in KL I love my rice cooker! It’s just a great way to get dependable cooked rice with no effort. From a personal side I adore my Kindle eBook. It is a single purpose device that does what it says on the tin. The integration with the Amazon store makes carrying multiple books when travelling, simple, quick and lightweight. I am also very
intrigued by the way it is changing the publishing world by offering everyone the chance to write, publish and sell a book. Are you married with kids? Yes I am married with two kids – they are 6 and 4 and that will do nicely. Adam Fox (1980) In July this year Mark Roberts (1978, F), Martin Asser (1978, F), Oliver Pinsent (1977, F) and I will be enjoying ACDC live at Wembley once again. The last time we went together was in 1982 at the Hammersmith Odeon. We all seem to have kept some hair – not bad considering it was 33 years ago. George Freeman (1980) retained his mid Norfolk seat for the Conservatives with 52.1% of the vote at the General Election and was re-appointed as Life Sciences Minister. George was first appointed as the Parliamentary under-secretary of state for life sciences last year under the former coalition government. It was the first time such a position had existed under any government, and was welcomed by the industry. George will now continue his review into England’s health technology assessor NICE, as well as a deeper assessment of the broader issues around market access in the UK, which began last year. He will also continue spearheading the Accelerated Access Review, which is speeding up the regulatory pathway for new and highly innovative medicines in the UK. His remaining in the role allows a sense of continuation for pharma and knowledge that this position will exist for at least the next five years – the life of the new Parliament. Freeman was elected to Parliament in 2010 after a 15-year career across the life sciences sector, in particular working with hospitals, clinical researchers, patient groups and biomedical research companies to pioneer novel healthcare innovations. Lt Col James Hamilton (1980) We are still living in Abu Dhabi, where we have been since I left the Army 5 years ago. I am managing programmes of work in a local management consultancy, focussing on Government clients. We have 2 sons, just turning 13 and 8 years old. Dominic Peskin (1980) Son Zac now at Radley in B social. Living in Bucklebury, commuting to London. CEO of Cloud Computing Company.
Tim Chapman (1981) I left the City in December 2014 after 24 years as an Oil and Gas corporate financier. Established Geopoint Advisory in early 2015 as an independent advisor to the energy sector. Two sons, Harry and James, at Alleyn’s School. We all cram in as much sport as possible with summer dominated by cricket. Colonel Harry Fullerton (1981) I left the Army in July 2014 and now work for a small and growing cloud services company called Skyscape. We have moved to a village in the Pang Valley. Richard Johnson (1981) Usually make the Radley vs Sherborne Rugby matches, but supporting 2 sons playing for the latter! Living in Dorset with our 4 children still, and keeping up Zimbabwe connections with family and wildlife conservation there. Steve Baldwin (1982) After 25 years in the city, I have left to get a better balance in my life and am now doing non-executive roles and spending more time with my family, which I am thoroughly enjoying. Shane Barker (1982) Recently qualified as a GP and working in South London in a GP practice and in urgent care. Remarried with too many children! Julian Facer (1982) Now commanding the Defence Helicopter Flying School at RAF Shawbury. Piers German (1982) George German is now 6 years old and thriving at Dulwich Prep school in London. I am busy in Victoria running Burns & German Vintners. We look after private clients finding them great wines to drink and also to lay down in cellars for the future. If you would be interested in hearing about wine and services please do get in touch or drop in to our office in Victoria – there is always a bottle open! piers@bgvintners.co.uk. Chris Tufnell (1982) was elected as Vice President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in July. Harry is heading for Radley next year with Hector following close behind.
the old radleian 2015
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