I grew up in London and then attended Bristol University where I read law and graduated in 1988.
I spent the following year living in Sutton Coldfield whilst studying for (and passing!) the Solicitors’ Exam.
My two years of training were spent in the City of London where I was lucky enough to work with some amazing lawyers and get involved in matters for household named clients.
After qualifying as a solicitor, I decided to move to Newcastle-under-Lyme and there was only one firm where I wanted to work. Luckily, that firm wanted me too and I began working in the Corporate and Commercial Department of Knights in September 1991.
For the first few years, I undertook the full range of corporate and commercial work but, in recent years, have specialised in providing commercial advice to clients in the leisure and entertainment industry. I love this work because of the wide range of matters which need to be dealt with – one day I can be buying a rollercoaster and the next day dealing with children’s television characters! (a bit like life really – you never know what’s coming next!).
I am an active and enthusiastic supporter of the Business Innovation Centre and regularly sit on panels which consider applications for Government grants and EU funding. Where appropriate, the panels also provide guidance and professional advice. It’s always pleasing to see how businesses can benefit from receiving such funding and advice and how, sometimes, a relatively small amount of money and a few suggestions can help businesses to succeed.
I have been blessed with two wonderful children and spend as much time with them as possible – walking, playing various sports, travelling and even doing (or should I say struggling with) homework! As a result, I am actively involved in helping with numerous sports clubs and school events. As well as being great fun, the kids also provide me with constant challenges – the most frequent and difficult one being a test of my negotiating skills. Trust me – no lawyer can match children when it comes to negotiating!