For over thirty years I have worked in business in the UK and abroad, and have experience of a wide range of sectors.  At one time or another I have worked in construction (I’m an electrician to trade), transport, IT, training, design, horticulture, and business advice.  I’ve been Managing Director of five different companies, and I’m sure if there’s something you could get wrong in business I’ve done it.  I’ve also got a lot of things right along the way, and I keenly value the opportunity to learn from experience. My work has often involved me with the core of my clients’ businesses, (and there have been thousands of them!) so at some time or other I’ve touched most industries.  I am passionate about entrepreneurship in its widest sense.

I have a Master’s Degree in Old English & Linguistics from Oxford University.  It took me many years to actually make the connection that most of what I do is dependant on the use of language, and to revalue that educational start point.  I am lucky to have a huge number of learning experiences under my belt throughout my life.  Lifelong learning really is what keeps us going.

A lot of my work currently is in business development, including press and policy work to support the business community, business planning and mentoring, and team development programmes.  I still teach sustainable design, and have written two books on the subject ‘The Permaculture Way’ and The ‘Permaculture Garden’.  I frequently contribute articles to local, national and international media.

With my family (wife Nancy, daughter Ruby and son Sandy) I am actively involved in the cultural scene including Scottish Traditional music, song, art and woodwork.  We enjoy our garden, which supports a historic collection of Scottish apple cultivars and a wonderful range of bird life.   Family is the most sustaining thing in my life.  After that comes the valuable network of people that I draw on for creative progress, both for myself and the people I work with.  Home is where the heart is.

Home (in the snow)