I was born in Helmsley, North Yorkshire. After passing my 11+, I went to Lady Lumley’s School, Pickering for my secondary education. In 1962 I went on to the University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology (UMIST) to study Chemistry.

On leaving UMIST with a B.Sc. in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Polymer Science, I joined the Polymer Science team at the University of Essex as a Research Fellow on a project involving Laser Light Scattering from polymer solutions.

When the project ended I moved to British Industrial Plastics (now Wardle Storeys) at Brantham, Manningtree. Initially I was concerned with aspects of PVC Technology, including the evaluation of raw materials and the provision of analytical services. Later the scope of the job was enlarged to include all Technical matters relating to the Chemicals and Cellulosics business from Camphor production to inspection Services for Xylonite (Celluloid) sheet. During that time I was part of the business management team running the operation.

During the mid 1980‘s I made a career change from Chemistry to Computer Systems. Initially I undertook a Systems Analysis training course for six months and then subsequently joined Harrison Computer Systems (HCS). At HCS I was involved in managing support staff, project management, user training programs, systems implementation, technical support, pre-sales demonstrations and general consultancy. As a result I gained considerable experience of several hardware operating systems and accounting systems, including UNIX, Novell NetWare, Windows NT, Microsoft SQL, Omicron Power Systems, Multisoft, Exact, Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains Dynamics (LAN and SQL versions) and Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains eEnterprise.

Since leaving University I have participated in various training courses covering aspects of Computing, Management and Statistics.

Systems Analysis – KBS Computer Services.
UNIX - NCR

Great Plains Dynamics – Client Server installation.
Great Plains Dynamics – Microsoft SQL installation.
Great Plains Dynamics – Project Accounting.

Management Studies for R&D Chemists at Urwick Management Centre.
Young Managers Course at Ashridge Management College.

Basic Statistics at Thames Polytechnic.
Statistics for Research & Production at the University of York.