Michael Long
Michael is the commercial director for our IT & Network Infrastructure operations. He is responsible for managing our vast and varied range of IT & cabling customers. He is also responsible for developing new products/ solutions within the rapidly evolving area of IT . Michaels primary focus is to manage our existing customer base – often performing surveys and providing advice and guidance on how our customers can get the most out of their IT and to generate new customer projects focused around our IT & NI services. Michael has over 15 years experience in the IT industry having previously owned his own IT business before joining Unity.
Spotlight Questions
What is your favourite word?
Solivagant
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Sports Journalism, exploring the world while following your favourite sports.
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?
You’ve tried your best with the time given to you.
Tell me about your background and how you came to this role.
I have never been through further education; I’ve had a plumbing apprenticeship when I was 16 and went straight to trade college but I have always had an interest in the world of tech. The business I was working for had went out of business and I found a great opportunity to work in a growing IT team at a local solicitor. Fast forward 14 years and here I am.
Are there any upcoming projects that you are excited about?
Unity are growing their cloud infrastructure and along with the IT expertise we have in house I am really eager to work closer with businesses across the UK to advise the best solutions.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
As mentioned, I had never been into further education and with the support and backing (both financial and mentorship) of Unity I have had the chance to pursue a degree in Chartered Management at University.
If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 items would you take with you and why?
Matches for easy fire, fishing rod for food and a mirror to signal for help.
If you had the ability to change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?
I believe everyone has a right to free education no matter where they are in the world. It’s the stepping stone for a better life and gives options for progression in any way of life.
What helpful resources do you rely on in your job role?
First and foremost, the knowledge of people who have been in business longer than I have, second of all I would say the local and national news.
Share an interesting or lesser-known fact about yourself that people would find surprising or amusing.
I have lived in America & Portugal in the past.
Tell us a useless fact.
The pound sign (or hashtag for the gen z crowd) is called an octothorpe.
What are your goals for the next year or so?
Grow my network of industry leaders across the tees valley, complete my second year of university & be healthy.
What is one thing you wish people knew about your job?
IT & technology isn’t everything with a plug, it’s a complex, bespoke solution for each different business. We have the expertise & knowledge to apply these best solutions. Almost like an architect and a builder rolled into one.
What is your favourite saying?
Procrastination is the thief of time – Charles Dickens.