07 October 2025

George Ashwin, Channel Director, AddOn Networks

What law would you most like to change?
One thing relevant to the work I’m doing at the moment with AddOn Networks is the forced labour that still takes place within supply chains across the United Kingdom. We’re seeing other countries within the European Union action robust human rights laws that protect workers and hold corporate entities to account. Yet over here, people who have experienced forced labour don’t get the support they deserve.

I would say we need to replace some of the outdated human rights legislation with new rules. These would place increased pressure on businesses to create safer workplaces and ensure they are constantly demonstrating they are not involved in labour abuses.

Who was your hero when you were growing up?
Many people may mention a parent or a teacher, but in actual fact my hero was James Hetfield, the lead singer and guitarist from Metallica! That band definitely inspired me to learn an instrument, and I still play the bass today.

What was your big career break?
I would have to say it’s when I joined the AddOn business back in 2018. I’d held a few roles before starting with the company, including a three year stint with the Cotswold District Council as a Customer Service Advisor. However, as soon as I got the job as an Inside Sales Representative at AddOn, I was able to hit the ground running.

Since day one, I’ve had the support and opportunities to keep progressing. Now, as a Channel Director, I have the opportunity to work on some exciting projects with some of the leading businesses across EMEA.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Growing up I always wanted to be either a marine biologist or a Naval officer. Something related to the sea at the very least! For three years between 2010 to 2013, I did get the opportunity to be a Midshipman for the Royal Naval Reserves, which my younger self would be very happy to learn, I’m sure.

The Rolling Stones or the Beatles?
For me, it has to be the Rolling Stones.

If you could dine with any famous person, past or present, who would you choose?
It would definitely have to be a historical figure – I have a degree in Ancient and Medieval History from the University of Birmingham, so it’d be good to put some of my knowledge to good use! I’ve always enjoyed learning about how people in the past lived, worked, traded and enjoyed their leisure. Let’s say Marcus Cicero, the Roman statesman. He’s someone who interests me greatly.

What’s the greatest technological advancement in your lifetime?
It would have to be the full-scale deployment of the internet. The way it expanded and evolved over such a short period of time to what it is today is incredible, and now we live in a society that is totally dependent on it for business, leisure and beyond. It’s also been the great enabler for other game changing technologies since its inception.

What would you do with £1 million?
If I ever got that much money, I would look to buy some land and build my own cottage in the Cotswolds. I was born and raised there, and for my money, it’s the best part of the United Kingdom. Back in the day I was a Venturer for Raleigh International, and part of the work I was doing over there included building a community hall – maybe I could apply some of those skills to building a house? Of course, knowing the cost of living down there I’ll definitely still need a mortgage!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
One thing that always sticks with me is ‘don’t ask others for anything you wouldn’t be prepared to do yourself’. It’s something I’ve tried to stick to throughout my career so far.

If you had to work in a different industry, which would you choose?
I think I would join the Navy – it’s always been of interest to myself, and as I mentioned, I was previously a Navy reservist.

Where would you live if money was no object?
I feel I may have already given my answer away on this one… it’d still have to be the Cotswolds for me. I’ve been lucky to visit a number of different countries in the last few years, but there’s no place like home really.