PROFILE - IAN PARSONS

Ian Parsons is chief executive and managing director of DCA, a network specialist with headquarters in a former farmhouse near Weston-super-Mare. Previously in the Royal Navy, serving on frigates and aircraft carriers, Ian is a keen hot air balloonist, golfer and skier.

I suppose it was my thirst for adventure that prompted me to join the Royal Navy and train as an electronics weapons specialist. But it wasn't just the work-related experience that gave me the fulfilment that I was seeking.

I also learned how to operate a variety of craft, from 14ft sailing dinghies to fast motor boats and Royal Marines landing craft, which was to lead to one of my hobbies in later life.

I also learned to ski. Not in a smart Alpine resort, but in the tree-covered Troodos Mountains in Cyprus. Our instructors weren't smooth, suntanned and polite, but ruffian Royal Marine bootnecks who could only communicate at the bellow. Our skis weren't built of hi-tech composites, but more akin to two rough-hewn planks tied to our ankles with bits of string. Nevertheless, this provided the foundation to ski competently every year for the next 25.

One of the other things I learned in the Navy was that every day contains 24 hours and it's up to you how you use them. So when I started DCA I was determined to continue to work hard and play hard, which meant I could take up golf. I'm a member of St Pierre at Chepstow and have reached a handicap of 16. I play regularly and quite seriously with a group of friends, although I'm not sure that friendship and golf really mix!

Friends and I annually charter a boat, which we skipper and crew ourselves and sail around the Isle of Wight. We always take along too much liquid refreshment which we find we have to consume fairly quickly in order to lighten the load to give us more speed for the competition. "Port!" takes on a whole new meaning when shouted to the helmsman - he's never sure whether he's being offered a drink or being ordered to steer to the left.

My most cherished hobby is one I've come to fairly recently, involving a very large hamper tied to a bit of colourful material - hot air ballooning.

I started as a member of a recovery crew, charging about the countryside trying to get to the landing site before the balloon. I'm now a proud syndicate member, owning a beautiful balloon, Ezmerelda.

Another new hobby is my little chocolate labrador pup whom I have named Topic - work that one out for yourself.

I intend to continue to make use of all 24 hours a day to enjoy my hobbies, nurture my staff and grow our business.

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