In 1973 started my business life in Scotland as a company doctor for the Northeast Regional Director of the Midland Bank, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.  Became a NED at 10 SMEs from 1973 through 2007.   Packaged management teams and funding for four new technology companies in the 1980s, raising £4.25m in venture capital.  Started the VeRN serial entrepreneurial network in late 1990s. 

Was managing director of Open Futures Ltd. from 1997 to 2006, a large group consultancy which facilitated 100 events involving 7,000 participants for organisations in all sectors of civil society.  Authored a best selling book on strategic planning for SMEs published by McGraw Hill (1993) and co-authored the Large Group Facilitators Manual for Gower (2003.)  Also lead seminars on strategy for Business Ventures in Glasgow, Harrogate Management Centre and an occasional master class at University of Sterling. Have also been a trustee in four charities.