Christmas Spotlight: Tim Mercer

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 Tim Mercer CEO of straight-talking cloud technology specialist, Vapour …

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

…that you better have a good plan and be able to laugh, A LOT.

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

A massive thank you for handling the often-unexpected challenges of 2020, head on, and managing our clients with the respect they deserved.

All of our colleagues are a real credit to Vapour – I’m proud of them all, especially as they’ve encountered the personal difficulties associated with Covid-19. They’ve stepped up and delivered.

Were you guilty of any lockdown splurges?

More red wine than was perhaps necessary and some new Nike running trainers, which have been used – a lot!

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

Staying true to what we’ve always done – being a cloud-first technology specialist – but with LOTS of new things on the table. Think new tech, new industry partnerships, and maybe even a fresh new look. We’ve always said we’re committed to making bleeding edge technology available to ALL businesses. Just wait…

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

I’ve been really impressed with Champion Health. We’ve worked alongside these guys, from a distance, since the beginning, but we’ve used their services ourselves this year, when we rolled out an employee wellbeing programme to staff and their families. The way Harry Bliss and the team have supported businesses and their colleagues, to handle the distress caused by Covid-19, is definitely above and beyond.

What’s your oldest Christmas memory?

Chocolate! Both of my parents worked at what’s now Nestle in Halifax. So, we had sweets on tap, especially at Christmas. I also won’t ever forget my first BMX in 1982 – best present ever!

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

I like a traditional Christmas dinner. I always cook, but the plate has to feature my father in law’s stuffing recipe.

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

Good red wine and some rum later on; Elf always makes me laugh; and some soulful tunes with great vocals.

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

My children still believe in Father Christmas so it’s always great to see their faces when they discover and dive into their presents. We’ve probably only got one or two more years left of that, which is a shame.

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

Thank you, for the support, during a year when it’s been needed the most. Let’s hope 2021 is healthier and happier, for us all.