60 seconds with BAPCO's Ian Thompson

Ian Thompson, chief executive of British APCO, talks to Land Mobile about his career in public safety communications

How do you spend most of your time at work?

It’s a mixture of sitting in front of a computer, making phone calls and travelling to meet people. No week is the same.

What’s the one gadget that you can’t live without?

I’m loath to say it, but my mobile phone. I was without it recently when it was being fixed and really noticed that it wasn’t there. Mind you, I bought a Google Home recently and it’s great, so maybe in a few months’ time my answer will be different.

Describe your most unforgettable project.

I was very fortunate to be a sector commander on two stages of the Tour de France when it came to Yorkshire in 2014. It was an intensive, fantastic two days – preceded by a year of planning.

What advice would you give to anyone starting their first job in public safety comms?

Don’t expect routine, and don’t do it just for a love of technology alone. Users will always find a different way to do things, so work with them, consult them and include them.