‘We invested heavily in cybersecurity before it became a major issue facing business.’
What’s your pitch?
Smarttech is one of the leading Cybersecurity managed service providers in Europe and the only company in Europe to implement cognitive computing (Artificial Intelligence) to run our European Cyber Security Operation Centre, which is powered by IBM Watson.
How long have you been in business?
We have been in business since 2004, but we reinvented the company in 2010 to focus purely on cyber security. This has been our core focus for the last six years, and in addition to service delivery, we have had a strategic focus on innovation of development of new security products and services.
What did you want to be ‘when you grew up’?
A fireman.
What’s your ambition now?
My ambition is to become a global leader in the delivery of managed cyber security solutions. We are experiencing tremendous growth as a company and delivering immense value to our customers who range from some mid-size business to some of the largest businesses in the world. We deliver all of this from Cork.
“I would make coding a mandatory part of all school curriculum. This would help drive innovation and fill the skills pipeline for the future. ”
What’s the most important thing you have learned so far in business?
I guess its patience. We invested heavily in cybersecurity before it became a major issue facing business. From a sales perspective, it often felt like we were knocking on closed doors but eventually the patience paid off.
What has been your biggest ‘mistake’ in business so far?
Biggest mistake has been diversifying from our core competencies.
Who inspires you in the business world?
I find Richard Branson inspiring.
What historical figure would you choose to have dinner with?
Albert Einstein
If you were ‘ruler for a day’ what would you do to change the business or social climate in this country?
I would make coding a mandatory part of all school curriculum. This would help drive innovation and fill the skills pipeline for the future.
Did you receive any supports to start your business and what do you need most at this stage of your business?
The company was entirely bootstrapped from day one. We need to hire more technical staff.
