Christmas Spotlight: Nick Halliday

If ever there was a year when we need some festive cheer, it’s 2020. So, for our annual advent calendar of Q&As with the region’s businesspeople, we’ve tried to focus on what brings you joy.

Every day in December, we’ll invite someone into the Christmas spotlight, with 10 quickfire questions…

Next up, it’s Nick Halliday, CEO and founder of software development and system integration specialist, IDS Group…

Complete the sentence: “If there’s one thing 2020 has taught me, it’s…”

…that, in business, you can’t plan for everything, but you can cope with a lot more than you realise with the right team around you!

If you could give a one-line shout out to your team, for how they’ve handled this year, what would you say?

You’ve remained positive and kept smiling every day, without once losing sight of our goal to put clients first, no matter what. This is one of IDS Group’s core values, but it has really been put to the test as a result of Covid. I salute everyone – in the UK, US and Belarus – for this commitment during adversity.

Were you guilty of any lockdown splurges?

I’m not guilty of any lockdown purchases, but I definitely indulged in more time with my kids. My routine went out the window as I allowed them to break up my working day. We’d get outside and enjoy activities together that would typically be reserved for rare weekend time, then I’d work later in the evening when they went to bed. Parts of lockdown, were therefore golden!

In fewer than 50 words, summarise three things your business has to look forward to, in 2021.

Helping health clients (including the NHS) deliver more frontline support by improving the data and efficiency of their backend systems.
Unveiling 2 or 3 new SaaS products – developed during lockdown – to investors, to see which we’ll take to market in 2021.
Supporting organisations through our ambitious tech accelerator programmes.

Which business do you think has gone above and beyond, this year?

The Insurtech disrupters ManageMy – I think we’ll be hearing a lot more about them in 2021 and beyond, especially now they have just finalised a big raise. Look out for them!

What’s your oldest Christmas memory?

Christmas Day 1983 – I lost my action man captain’s hat in the snow, walking to my Nan’s. I was gutted but loved the snow so accepted my loss, only to find it a few days later when the snow had melted and then I appreciated even more!

Fast forward to 2020 and I think so many of us as adults are going through similar experiences – albeit on a much greater scale. When this all passes, we’ll really treasure the things we’ve had to be without – and remember why it’s important

What’s the one thing you could never be without, on your Christmas dinner plate?

My mum’s prawn cocktail, or a heap of brussel sprouts – not because I like them, but they’re tradition! I think we’ve all got real Christmas staples like this!

What’s your favourite Christmas tipple, film and tune?

Port, National Lampoons, and Bing Crosby’s White Christmas.

What are you most looking forward to, about Christmas 2020?

Pulling together as a family – personal and professional – and making the best of any celebrations we can have, as we don’t really know, do we? There are still lots of ways we can remind ourselves that we’re still here for each other though.

And a message to your friends, family, colleagues and peers as they welcome in 2021?

The world is changed forever, and 2021 will be about making things better for each other. Professionally – share ideas and collaborate. Personally, I look forward to concentrating on what matters.