Following the cataclysmic collapse of the UK coal industry, accepted compulsory redundancy in September 2016.Currently "getting on with my life" and, as always, enjoying every minute of it!If I could take a moment, I would just like to thank everyone from the wonderful world of coal with whom I have come into contact over the last 40-odd years. With very few exceptions, it has been a pleasure!

Now semi-retired. Helping out with "Special Projects" as the title suggests. Basically any aspect of the inspection of coal / fuels industry that needs doing and with which my 40-odd years of experience helps.

Sharp-end management of the logistics of sampling of imported coal and biomass shipments into all major UK Ports, including Imminham, Hull, Portbury, Tilbury, Liverpool and Hunterston, for the largest company in the business. On call genuine 24/7/365. In 2012, provided sampling / draught survey cover in respect of over 28,000,000 tonnes of caol / biomass aboard more than 800 vessels. Never stops!Loved every minute of it!

Management / development of sampling / analysis service to importers of coal into the UK.

Technical selling of laboratory scale crushing, grinding, milling etc. equipment into all spheres of industry and accademia.Loved every minute of it!

Started as a "Junior Laboratory Technician" at the North Notts Area Laboratory at Edwinstowe" in 1970 and took voluntary redundancy as Sample Prep Lab Manager in 1989.Set the foundations for a lifetime spent in the Scientific Services sector of the coal industry.