After a successful eduction to O-level, followed by a complete loss of interest at A-level, I began my work career in sales before starting my own business at the age of 21. Between 1983 and 2007, I experienced the roller-coaster lifestyle of owning and running a business, with a number of start-up companies as diverse as scientific supplies and hazardous waste management. Working all the hours available, experiencing the best and worse of times, trying to address the work/life balance and meeting the most amazing people along the way.
But in 2006 I exited those businesses, I was exhausted! I thought I’d start an online business, but after 12-months of work and investment, it came to nothing. Sticking with what you know is always sound advice!
Then, having heard about a vacant local position, in February 2008 I was appointed CEO of the small business support and lobbyist The Forum of Private Business (FPB), based in the Ruskin Rooms Knutsford, Cheshire (an organisation and a building with fine individual heritage).
I’d hardly got my feet under the desk when we hit the 2008 financial crisis. Suddenly, through my role, I’d become a key member of a group of business organisations, ministers, civil servants, banks and other lenders challenged with creating initiatives to provide access to finance to the small business sector and how to address the surge of late payment, a policy area the FPB had led on for two decades.
It was all very frenetic, I circulated in an environment of senior ministers and business leaders and for my part in the madness of the time, I was awarded of an MBE (for services to small and medium sized enterprises) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2013.
Between 2013 and 2015 I was also a Governor of Knutsford Academy. During this period we successfully applied for funding to build an additional Studio School. This educational facility was designed for more vocational and skills based education (close to my heart). On completion of this new school I was asked to Chair the Studio School Governing Body, which I did until my sailing adventure in August 2015.
Between May and August 2015, I trained and prepared to circumnavigate the globe under sail during the 2015/16 Clipper Round The World Race, an amateur event of some 11-months endurance. My on-board roles included Team Coordinator for the Skipper and Watch Leader or Assistant Watch Leader throughout all legs of the 47000nm race. My yacht ‘GREAT Britain’ was placed 3rd out of 12 overall.
Since the completion of the race I’ve been travelling and writing (more of the former) in advance of the publication of my first poetry book in late summer 2020 hopefully 🙂
I am blessed in having two great children, Ben and Lauren, who are both working very hard and doing well for themselves in a tough world.
As well as writing I’ve recently attended some art classes and though I’ve enjoyed them I do struggle with some aspects, though I’ll strive to overcome those! My hope is that I can illustrate my poetry book as well. Who would have thought that of someone who studied the sciences!