My early years were spent living in different parts of the UK and abroad; my father a Mechanical Engineer, much of his work based in London and taking him around the world.

Working life began in the W H Smith Group where I achieved a solid grounding of multi-site retail management. Following on from this into the UK arm of the Readers Digest Group, learning the principles of Direct Marketing and all Mail-Order Operational disciplines.

A unique opportunity came in 1996; a senior executive position with the family which founded Screwfix Direct – then a small west country Mail-Order business, with huge ambitions. Here I helped steer the business through meteoric growth, ultimately remaining with it after it transferred into corporate ownership with Kingfisher plc.

In 2002 I was invited again to join one of the former owners of Screwfix. This time from a standing start as one of the originators of the Toolstation Ltd business; a UK wide Retail Trade Counter and Mail Order omnichannel business, which we also launched in Europe. With only a handful of people constructing the business from a single office in Bristol, this called upon all my experience in Marketing, Retail, Operational Management, and people development. From concept to trading in just four months was hugely exciting and challenging.

In more recent years Toolstation ownership was transferred into Travis Perkins plc, where I remained a Director. Then at the Group’s request embarked upon an International Operations Director role, specifically supporting the Toolstation European business whilst exploring international development options, which led to preparing all the constituent parts of the business on the other side of the Atlantic, ready to launch.

Mindful that the last few years have effectively been as an ‘internal advisor’ to various group businesses within a large plc, it has been recognised that the experience, support, and advice I can offer is much sought after and highly valued. Therefore, having moved from full-time employment to an independent position, I remain engaged by the Travis Perkins plc group to support its growth plans for Toolstation in Europe, whilst also supporting other businesses, not for profit organisations and charities, as a trusted Advisor or Non-Executive Director.

Beyond work I have enjoyed many sports to a reasonably high level, now enjoying the home gym, running and only when requested; supporting my wife who runs our smallholding with various animals. Time is also spent with my daughters and young family … then escaping to the office above my pride and joy of a classic car. Some time is also dedicated to supporting my charity Macmillan Cancer Trust; being on the Corporate Support Team for fundraising activities