I obtained a BSc in philosophy at the City University in London and subsequently obtained a Post-Graduate Diploma in Philosophy from York University. I then studied for the Common Professional Examination and solicitors finals at the College of Law in London. I qualified in 1984 serving my articles in London and then returned to my home town, Portsmouth, as a newly qualified solicitor and subsequently moved to Chichester in West Sussex where I became a partner in a long-established firm of solicitors. I joined Knights in 1991 and became a partner in 1993.
My work involves two distinct areas. Through my career I have specialised in property development and I now deal with development and construction projects for both private and public sector clients. These are often both commercially and legally complex and include advice on finance and funding and, for public sector clients, advice on European Union Procurement Regulations. My other principal area of practice is for the mining and quarrying industry where, along with other members of Knights’ minerals & waste unit, I am acknowledged as one of the country’s leading practitioners in this specialised area of law. I have particular expertise in structuring complex transactions and advising on legal issues affecting the ownership of rights and to work minerals.
I am the deputy chairman of Advantage West Midlands’ professional services cluster, a former chairman of finest, the professional services organisation for North Staffordshire of which I was one of the founders and a former chairman of the Staffordshire Business Environment Network.
I am actively involved in the economic regeneration of North Staffordshire and participate in a number of forums and projects. I have acted in a pro bono capacity in connection with a number of significant community projects.
I have contributed to training courses on property development.
Current inspirations include the photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson for showing the extraordinary beauty of ordinary things and, rather differently, Harry Redknapp for giving this Pompey lad a great deal of innocent and unexpected fun and demonstrating that happy teams really do bring out the best in people.
The better things in life include good friends, good conversation and good whisky (or calvados armagnac or grappa according to the mood). A bottle of Black Label would never be rejected as a gift.
The best thing is the company of my daughters and in particular observing them hatch plots against me, not in the King Lear sense but elaborate strategies to persuade me of what I would readily agree to anyway. For them at least I am a soft touch.