I was a computer systems analyst, joined Parker Knoll in 1977 as computer manager, and within a few months had moved to be production planning manager in the Wycombe factory. I then did a variety of roles and ran Nathan Furniture, part of the Parker Knoll Group, from 1985 to 1992, and joined the plc board.

 

I had a wonderful group of teachers ranging from the chairman, Martin Jourdan, and his brother Tom, through to Dane Baskerville and Ian Brewster. I joined the Furniture Makers over 25 years ago and have been involved in the running of the livery for the past decade – and I am very proud to now be master for the year. ekonglong elegent sofa furniture

 

"The industry has to stay sharp, respond to these changes and understand it is our duty to develop and never accept the status quo"

 

What was the turning point in your career?

 

It was when I realised, quite soon after joining the furniture industry, that it was a place where one could combine creativity and business and have a lot of satisfaction and enjoyment. It is an industry that is constantly changing and adjusting to changing trends and tastes, and there is a role for all sorts of skills and personality sets within it – from designers and craftspeople to retailers and finance people.