An audience with Paul Hamilton, Founder and CEO of Halo

Did you know that Stowmarket in Suffolk is home to a purebred unicorn?

No, not the mythical creature, but instead a privately held tech startup company that achieved a valuation of over $1 billion without significant outside funding. 

That company is Halo – a rapidly growing global software company specialising in IT Service Management and automation. It is well-known for its innovative office (complete with a slide!), its partnership with McLaren F1 and now its sponsorship of Ipswich Town FC.

And in December 2025, UK Director Magazines was proud to host a special three-county event, where nearly 100 delegates from across the region were invited to an audience with its Founder and CEO, Paul Hamilton.

Held in association with sponsors, Ensors, Greenscape Energy, Ascender Creative, Limitless Film & Media, TMJ Interiors and Riverhills Health Club & Spa, the new event format saw Editor Sue Wilcock conduct a live ‘lead interview’ with Paul, exploring his life so far and his unconventional approach to business.

During their lively chat, he talked about his childhood in Scotland (wet and windy apparently), his journey as an entrepreneur, his experience as a father and the book that changed his life. He discussed the importance of growing a business in a sustainable way, and how his 100% office-based working culture has helped with both knowledge sharing and building a strong team community; creating a group of “mini-CEOs” where everyone is valued and equally important.

We even heard from one of his newest staff members, Chris, who explained what drew him to work at the company and how he is using marketing – sports sponsorship today and exciting plans for next year – to position Halo as a great employer first and foremost. Indeed, that is Paul’s main ambition – to simply become a company where people really want to work.

Finally, Paul answered a few light-hearted, quickfire questions where we discovered his passion for James Bond, his favourite band (Oasis), a hidden talent and his plans to go to space in 2027.

Then, after much laughter (and many sports metaphors), it was time to take a break.

But just before pausing to enjoy some refreshments and an opportunity to network, delegates heard from Rose, a representative from our host venue. She explained that The Mix is a charity which supports young people, offering a safe space, training and guidance to find their next steps in the world. To find out more about their vital work and how you can support the charity, visit www.themixstowmarket.co.uk.

Q&A

After the break, our special guest answered a wide range of questions, some submitted anonymously via an online portal and some from the audience. With Paul having made it clear that nothing was ‘off the table’, these covered a wide range of subjects, from his advice for young people looking for employment, to what wrist watch he was wearing (a Mercedes IWC Limited Edition apparently).

So, what does the future hold? A new office, a possible documentary, a book and perhaps even sport team ownership – watch this space.

With thanks

We would like to thank Paul Hamilton for sharing his time, knowledge and experience with all those who attended the event.

It was an entertaining, educational and inspirational conversation with a charming and engaging business pioneer; a man who understands the importance of curiosity in all things and, more importantly, that it is possible to run a very successful business while still nurturing a valued, happy workforce. A great message for all those who follow.

And finally…

Sue closed the interesting morning by explaining the ethos of UK Director Business Magazines: to build a community of friends, not just business partners; a group of likeminded people who support each other during the trials and tribulations of running a business.

We are thrilled to know our work continues to support and connect local business leaders, big and small, and we look forward to providing more magazines, podcasts, events and connection opportunities aimed at helping you to run your business better.

Thank you to all who attended.

This three-county event was an exciting new format for UK Director Magazines and, following its success and wonderful feedback from those present, it is certainly one we will be looking to replicate in the future.

Note: If you are Business Club member, you can visit the business club portal and watch film footage of the event.

 Feedback

“An AMAZING Suffolk Director Magazine event. An awe-inspiring interview with Paul Hamilton by Sue Wilcock. A truly motivational story and so fantastic to see and hear how the business has grown with such a focus on culture and doing things the right way.”

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“The audience with Paul Hamilton will take some beating – so many “take-aways!”

“I think that goes down as the event of the year for me!”

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What’s next?

We host four events annually, so if you are interested in sponsoring, or  would like to be notified when tickets go on sale, then lease email editor@ukdirectormagazines.co.uk