After roaming around the tropics as crew on a sailing yacht, my first serious jobs were in publishing and property. In a bid to launch my entrepreneurial career I took an MBA from Edinburgh Business School then founded Urchin where I was MD for 10 years until its sale at the end of 2006.
Subsequently, I launched Nauteco, a new brand in the marine sector, and advised a number of multi-channel SME’s on everything from systems and processes to website relaunches, email marketing and brand development. As Interim FD I helped relaunch Sarah Raven’s Kitchen & Garden at the beginning of 2009.
I am co-owner of Gramar Investments Limited, a private investment company specialising in multi-channel retail and related sectors, and Bridgewell Holdings Limited, a holding company with investments in small business and commercial property.
I occasionally write features for Catalogue & eBusiness magazine and am a member of the judging panel for the coveted annual ECMOD awards – the Oscars of the multi-channel world!
Outside the retail sector, I highly value the opportunity to contribute as a Business Mentor for the Prince’s Trust, helping in a small way to nurture young business talent in the West Country.
Born in Edinburgh, and following periods in London and Brighton, I now live with my family in rural Wiltshire near the market town of Marlborough. I spend a lot of time riding my bicycle. With more time on my hands, I’d be checking off the Scottish Munros and filling up my diving log book.
