ABOUT

Both my parents were scientists. That explains why my enquiring mind and analytical approach, combined with a passion for excellence, has enabled me to find unique and high-quality solutions.

I have benefitted from some fabulous work/life experiences and professional training opportunities that have equipped me with valuable know-how.

Economic Recovery

Most of my working life was spent in parts of the UK that have suffered industrial and economic decline, so I have seen the economic and social consequences.

I had the opportunity to undertake some International research into Economic Recovery and how an economic miracle can be achieved. It provided evidence that training for businesses and individuals is the single most important activity.

During 15 years of working with UK organisations engaged in economic recovery and regeneration, I observed what worked, what didn’t work and analysed why. This enabled me to identify the best and most successful economic recovery strategy.

Business support

During my 18-year banking career, I became intrigued by businesses and why some were successful whilst others struggled and failed.

I developed an understanding of businesses and empathy for the financial and emotional consequences of business failure.

Having asked myself why some businesses were very successful, I asked what could be done to enable more businesses to succeed? Likewise, with businesses that struggled and failed. How could other businesses avoid the same mistakes? The answer was to combine the know-how of several thousand businesses into comprehensive high-quality training.

My International research into successful training-based business support, was the starting point of a 25-year career in delivering very successful non-financial business support.

I have delivered diverse and fascinating projects that all have relevance to economic recovery through effective business support.

In 2004, I presented a paper to the ISBA conference “Modern regeneration agenda demands new Business Adviser knowledge and skills”, to explain the importance of business support professionals being well-trained in order to be a successful catalyst for economic recovery.
Individuals

One of the things I enjoyed most about my contract with STEP was our shared sense of social responsibility and our belief that individuals can be supported to create a better future for themselves.

I learned a great deal about the emotional and mental consequences of individuals losing their job, for reasons beyond their control, and not being able to find alternative employment.

Loss of control over their own destiny can accumulate negative emotions, self-doubt and helplessness that can be overwhelming

I realised that supporting individuals to heal mental wounds, was a vital component of economic recovery.
In my experience, most individuals have latent talent. Stimulating that talent and seeing it grow, blossom and bear fruit is very rewarding.

In 2004, I presented a paper to the ISBA conference “Human scrap heap to budding entrepreneur – creating the right environment” as evidence of what can be achieved.