Merely as the conductor of a superb orchestra, I was privileged to start Stocktrade as a subsidiary to the then Bell Lawrie White, but with its own Stock Exchange identity and a liberal degree of management autonomy. I was blessed with a healthy number of highly competent colleagues (thank goodness, for in truth I didn't really have much of a clue) who together built an outstandingly competent and profitable business. The philosophy, which may have developed somewhat in my mind since I departed, was based on trust and teamwork and a belief that 'Money is an outcome' as the admirable Tom Peters advocated. Our eventual parent, Brewin Dolphin sold Stocktrade to Alliance Trust - one day someone might tell me why - and few if any of former colleagues remain there. But we meet still and talk and remember. Cheerfully and still convinced that we had the best of unregulated times.

There is a vacuum between the Corporate and Charity sectors, which needs to be filled. This is doable but is a full time job for someone. Too many in the corporate sector need to understand a little more, that a commitment to worthwhile charitable causes brings enormous commercial benefits. But equally, the charity sector needs more energy, to do more for itself and to proffer rewards to uncommitted corporate who might offer help. This is an American mindset which is second nature in the US but not yet here. They also have a much more generous tax regime, which in the UK stopped progressing after Gordon Brown's 2000 Finance Act.

Event based fundraiser for social inclusion, youth and sports projects.The principle was - and is - that business people benefit from supporting the small people in the community, while enjoying themselves and meeting new friends. The Sportsman's Charity was set up to help this along and remains in good hands, doing great work.

Having been around at the start of SCF as a board member under the excellent Chair, Alastair Dempster, I took on this role, following my premature departure (my view at least!) from Stocktrade. I worked under two superb CEOs, Alan Hobbett and Giles Ruck. The latter has continued in office and has built, with a highly professional team, a charity body beyond expectations, which provides invaluable grants, programmes and advice to the community. For me, the three and a bit years spent was a seminal impactful experience. And a lot of fun.