My journey into the world of green business began with a genuine interest in the environment and the concerns about making responsible choices.My extensive experience in leading a large business has provided me with a unique perspective - I understand the power of quality branded items in building lasting connections and enhancing brand visibility. However, I also recognise the environmental impact these products can have if not sourced, procured and produced responsibly. This realisation led me to identify a need for sustainable promotional merchandise solutions - Thus Green Merch Ltd was born. My role involves strategic planning, development of the business, achieving our common goals, overseeing product development, and forging strong relationships with our clients to ensure their unique needs are met with innovative, sustainable solutions.

In June 2023, I was invited to take up the role of 'Expert Speaker' on the government's 'Help To Grow' Scheme, delivered at Teesside University. The scheme is designed to help businesses and business owners develop new skills, reach customers and ultimately increase profits. I gladly accepted and I am extremely proud to support Teesside University in this capacity to share my knowledge and expertise.

In 2023, ABM invited me to become a business mentor. In this capacity, I support and mentor company leaders to help them grow and improve their businesses.Through the ABM (Enterprise Nation) I continue to develop my knowledge and skills in supporting people and businesses throughout the UK as a business mentor.

During my my part-time service with Catalyst, a non-profit organisation that provides support to charities in and around Teesside, I collected and delivered food packages to food banks around the North East.

I am proud to have been a company director and shareholder at Fleet Factors Ltd for over 40 years, overseeing and contributing to its growth to become one of the largest independent vehicle parts wholesalers, and having acquired several independent companies. At Fleet Factors, I collaborated with other board members to develop the business into a national network of depots throughout the UK, with a turnover of circa £60m. Together, we created a sustainable, profitable, and well-governed business by focusing on constant efficiency improvements and cultivating a culture of teamwork. As Director, I was involved in all aspects of the business - sales, marketing, operations, management, leadership, change, governance, finance, procurement, HR, health and safety, law, IT, strategy and compliance - and developed my skills extensively to that end.

During my time at Edmunds Walker, my responsibilities as Sales Representative were:- Building customer relations - Managing sales targets and profit and loss with existing customers - Securing new customers, contracts and business within the vehicle parts industry

I joined Martins Cartune in the late 1970s as a parts supervisor. My responsibilities within this role were: - Supervising service levels to customers - Providing a parts service to customers in the Teesside region- Providing parts services to the internal VW and AUDI vehicle workshop- Stock management - Achieving sales targets