People

What work do I specialise in?

Having acquired knowledge and legal expertise in Company and Partnership Law, Contract Law, Property Law and Construction over the course of a legal career spanning 34 years, I act as legal adviser to the boards of private companies across the transport, manufacturing, financial services, advertising and property and construction sectors.

As Head of Corporate at Ralli, I oversee the work of the Company Commercial, Partnership and Employment departments.  I also have experience in Tax Planning and Trusts, which I use for the benefit of my business clients and their families.

Experience

I was educated at St Bede's College in Manchester and the University of Birmingham at which I obtained an honours degree in law.

Prior to taking up my legal career I undertook a position with the international development organisation Voluntary Services Overseas in Papua New Guinea which achieved independence during my tour of duty.  I was a teacher of English and Commerce at a leading secondary school and also worked as an examination marker. I also had responsibility for the sports fields and the school library.

I married in 1985 and have a son and a daughter neither of whom have followed me into the legal profession. 

My legal career commenced with Linder Myers in Manchester where I worked in the Company Law Department.  I joined Ralli (at that time called Betesh Fox and Co) in 1979.  It was my remit to build up the commercial practice of my new firm – which I have done successfully.  I worked initially at the Bolton office which merged into the Manchester Office in 1990.  During my career I have undertaken seminars for banks and accountancy practices.

I have made contributions to magazines, newspapers and radio broadcasts.  I am a non-executive director of a local NHS Foundation Trust Hospital and as well as attending all board meetings, I serve on the Audit, Corporate Governance and Stakeholder Engagement Committees and attend public meetings on behalf of the Trust.

What do I like?

I enjoy my work very much and the great challenges, the satisfaction and social life that it gives to me.  When I am not working, I enjoy fell walking and running marathons. I have successfully completed marathons in Paris, New York, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, Dublin, London, the Marine Corps (Washington DC) Tokyo and Edinburgh. The sponsorship money I get from running goes to Francis House Hospice in Didsbury, Manchester.

I prefer participating in sport to spectating, but I do enjoy watching Manchester United and the England Cricket Team.  I also enjoy watching live rock music events at the Manchester Arena and classical music concerts at the Bridgewater Hall.

I am slowly developing my golfing skills – this is proving a major challenge.  Golf will therefore remain as a postscript until I can announce some real progress.