PROFESSIONAL LIFE IN THE CITY
Drawing on more than three decades as a Chartered Accountant, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, I have built a career grounded in professional excellence, ethical standards, and civic responsibility. This combination of expertise and experience gives me a strong foundation to represent Coleman Street Ward effectively as Alderman.
I qualified with Deloitte and subsequently moved to KPMG and Grand Thornton to senior management positions. I was often involved as part of a multidisciplinary team within the City on corporate transactions, flotations, listing, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence and similar. This involved me working in conjunction with teams of corporate financiers, the legal profession, professional services, propertyfund managers and regulators.
I also founded my own boutique accounting/consulting practice in the City for 15’years. I specialised in serving the financial services sector, hedge funds, investment managers, particularly overseas businesses wishing to set up in the City. I was approved by the FSA and helped clients to support their initial registration application, setting up systems, assisting with core compliance matters and providing expert advice working in larger teams with other specialist professionals
I founded a number of businesses on a personal basis including professional services, healthcare, property, events, retail and quick service food. This experience enabled me to share my practical and pragmatic consulting with other businesses. I understood their concerns and relate to them personally.
I believe I am well placed to server Coleman Street Ward for several reasons:
Governance & Strategic Oversight
I have strong governance experience including serving as a member of the Council, the organisation’s supreme governing body, of The Institute of Chartered Accountants for over 16 years in a role similar to a Non-Executive Director/Trustee, focusing on strategy, governance and oversight. I have also served as a Non-Executive for a UK registered eye charity for over ten years. Both roles are closely aligned with the responsibilities of an Alderman.
Reasoned Judgment
I am well-versed in making considered, fair judgments when presented with complex facts, ensuring the needs of various interests are taken into account.
My experience includes serving as a DTI Inspector within a team investigating the affairs of a medium-sized business, where I held total responsibility for the site visit. I have also served on the ICAEW National Disciplinary Committee and the ICAEW National Investment Business Committee. In these roles, I was responsible for making judgments regarding potential complaints and actions against member firms, taking into account professional standards, the public interest, the regulatory regime, and the conduct of the firms.
Legal Sector
As an advisor to the legal profession, I was among the first Lexcel-approved practitioners in the City. My work has focused on governance, compliance, and commercial strategy, helping law firms develop bespoke approaches to grow profitably and sustainably in a competitive environment.
Business and Entrepreneurship
As a serial entrepreneur, I have founded and grown businesses across consulting, healthcare, technology, events, and food services. Notably, one of my nursing homes was shortlisted for the National Care Awards Independent Care Operator of the Year. My focus has been on creating growth strategies, improving profitability, and delivering tangible value ahead of business sales.
Civic Leadership and Advocacy
Public engagement has always been central to my work. I regularly speak on business, healthcare, and social justice issues and have led initiatives including the FoodDrop Project, redistributing over 2.5 million meals in London, and the City Prostate Cancer Screening Programme. I have also supported the Lord Mayor’s Appeal and Sheriffs’ Recorders Fund through creative fundraising initiatives.
Financial Services
I have worked extensively with the financial services sector, including one of the UK’s Big Four clearing banks, international bank branches, investment managers, and hedge funds. These roles have provided me with a deep understanding of the operational, commercial, and regulatory challenges faced by financial institutions in the City.