I have worked for the last 27 years in the floristry industry in different roles, despite being an engineer in my first career. My wife ran a Floristry business and was about to have our son, so I became more involved with the business at that time. I had always been interested (in floristry) and did some work in the evenings and weekends, but I was unsure about my future in engineering at the time, so I decided to concentrate on the Floristry work.

We still have the Floristry Shop and now employ several people. Eight years ago I began work with Teleflorist as a Field Officer. The role involves recruiting new members to the Teleflorist network, doing quality checks on existing member businesses, and sometimes fulfilling the role of Small Business Advisor.

I manage all of the Teleflorist exhibits at Floristry trade shows; including the Spring Florist Event, and the Society of Floristry Shows. I am also involved with other promotional work for the Marketing department of Teleflorist, which includes visiting Colleges from Manchester to the South of England to talk to floristry students.

I thoroughly enjoy my job and I envisage continuing to expand my knowledge as long as I am in the industry. My enthusiasm for work comes from watching people use their skills to create wonderful designs. I love dealing with people and I enjoy the fact that I never stop learning.

The only thing that would make me consider retiring form this excellent profession would be the opportunity to sail away into the sunset!