What was your first job and what did your responsibilities include?

Royal Navy — seaman (radar), I was responsible for the upper deck maintenance and working as a radar operator in the ship's operations room.

How much was in your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?

During training at shore we had to pay 'food and accommodation' charges. This meant there was very little left for anything else. I think my first pay packet was about £13. I remember spending this on my first pint of beer ashore.

Describe how your career developed to the present day.

I joined the Royal Navy in 1975 and was with the service until 2000, working with partly operational warships and shore establishments. I was involved largely on the ships in my early career, moving to training establishments, and I achieved the highest non-commissioned rank of warrant officer.

In 2000 I left the Royal Navy and joined telecommunications firm Nortel as a technical trainer based in Maidenhead, which involved relocating my family from Fareham to Bicester. I joined the management team in 2005 and led the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Enterprise Training Group. I have now recently joined Acua, the corporate trading subsidiary of Coventry University, as a senior learning and development manager.

What are the key responsibilities in your position?

I lead a team of learning development consultants designing and delivering innovative solutions to meet organisational development needs. I liaise with a variety of customers to ascertain their business needs and assess the impact of our programmes.

Describe a typical day

Every day is different but typically involves a one-hour commute to the office based in Coventry. I usually have a schedule of meetings with the business development team to discuss future opportunities. I visit our clients to discuss programme development and ensure they are happy with the service we are providing. On a daily basis I ensure the quality of our delivery meets client expectations and delivers reults.

Who/what have been the biggest influences on your career?

Serving in the Royal Navy, I was part of the operation on HMS Ardent during the Falklands War. We were attacked and sunk by numerous Argentine air attacks resulting in the loss of 22 shipmates, who were also friends. I was one of the lucky ones who survived. I learned about putting things into perspective in your life and not to get lost in things that are unimportant.

I also realised the value of effective training and the need for strong leadership and team work. We all have a role to play and contribute to an organisation, irrespective of the level you work at.

What has been your best decision?

Marrying my wife Sara, she is very supportive of everything I do.

And your worst?

Staying in the Royal Navy for so long — there are a wealth of opportunities in civilian life.

What is the best advice you can give to someone starting out in your business?

Listen, learn, identifty the critical issues and avoid business 'fluff'. Always look for the bigger picture and how what you are doing impacts on the organisation.

What is the secret of good management?

Communication. Speak on the telephone and don't rely on e-mails. It is important to recognise people's efforts, but also to set challenging and realistic targets.

Do you have a good work/life balance?

I try, but a two-hour commute means early starts and late finishes. Weekends are for my family.

What hobbies/interests do you enjoy in your spare time?

I am a keen runner, although it hurts more than it used to! A keen football fan, I like to watch Oxford United when I can. I also support Portsmouth, due to my naval background.

Is there anything in business that really irritates you?

Overuse of e-mails. I wish people would just pick up the telephone.

How do you see your organisation developing over the next five years?

Acua has a very bright future with huge potential for growth. We have an excellent portfolio of organisational development options we can offer, but we also design and deliver solutions focused on organisational needs.

We place learning and development consultants into clients’ offices for extended periods of time. Because of the longevity of the intervention, we are able to see the results and impact on the organisation.

What has been your most satisfying moment?

Watching Oxford United score two late goals against York on the first day of the season. Aside from football, watching my children grow up is extremely satisfying.

Do you believe there is enough help and support from government and agencies for growing businesses?

In our case, very much so. We have access to government funding, which allows us to support organisations in their continued talent development.

What is your attitude to the environment and do you have any green policies in place?

We are housed in a modern and energy efficient building based at the Innovation Village part of Coventry University Technology Park. On a personal level, I support green initiatives and recycle as much as possible.

What is the secret of a happy workforce?

A challenging, effective workplace that lives by its core values and ethics.

Is there any other job you would like to have done and why?

In about five years I would like to slow down a bit. For some strange reason I can see myself driving a coach.

What would you like to do when you retire?

My wife loves Italy and is learning to speak Italian, so moving out there would be great. I suppose this would largely depend on where our children and grandchildren live. I also enjoy a round of golf, so this would have to fit in somewhere.