For an aggressive company, Intec has a remarkably patient and affable chief executive. Intec, the worldwide leader in intercarrier billing for the telecoms sector, has not increased its customer base from three to more than 240 in its four-year life, made five acquisitions and successfully listed on a far from friendly stock market by being meek and mild.

So when there is a mix-up over interview times, I am fully expecting to get short shrift from Kevin Adams for wasting his time. Lost in Woking's impenetrable centre, I call Intec for directions to the company's offices. Intec's receptionist couldn't be more helpful she is obviously used to getting SOS calls from the depths of the town's one-way system. But when I explain that I am an hour late for a meeting, and that the meeting is with Kevin Adams, she just says 'Oh dear' in a slightly ominous tone.