I started my working life in the advertising industry, however I joined my Fathers' company, WOM in1972. At that time there were only 6 employees. By 1997 there were 350. Over the years I worked in all areas of the business, i.e. Shop floor (day & night shift) Sales, Accounts, Buying, Lab, R&D, etc. Joined the Board in 1984 as Manufacturing Director. By this time WOM was a truly International operation selling in virtually every market in the world and manufacturing in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the USA. We also had offices in Germany, Hong Kong, Belgium, Holland and Scandinavia.Became MD on my Fathers' retirement in !991 until we sold the company in 1998. By this time our turnover was £50 million p.a. The company was in profit every year from 1969.During my final year with the company I successfully reduced overhead costs by £1 million.