International Consumer Research & Testing (ICRT) is a global consortium of consumer organisations that collaborate on research and testing of consumer products and consumer services. We are a not-for-profit organisation that is fully owned by our members. As such we are independent of product manufacturers, and act exclusively in the interest of consumers.Today, we have 37 member organisations in almost as many countries, reaching 30M+ consumers monthly through members’ publications and media channels.We provide our members with the framework and tools to share resources for the joint testing of consumer products. We set clear guidelines for successful and cost-efficient collaboration, allowing members to test and publish more. This in turn enables consumers to make more informed choices when purchasing.

BRE is a world leading, multi-disciplinary building science centre with a mission to improve buildings through research and knowledge generation. The BRE Group is the home of the world leading fire and security certification mark LPCB and sustainability mark BREEAM. Reporting to the Chief Executive and a member of the Executive team, I led on the implementation of operational strategies which drove the commercial performance of the business. I directed the day-to-day leaders of Business Operations, IT infrastructure, Finance, Facilities Management, Health and Safety and Digital Software development teams.

BRE Global is a world leading and most respected provider in the field of fire and security certification. Reporting to the Chief Executive, I was responsible for getting business systems and processes working properly so that the business could function efficiently, effectively and profitably. Responsibilities included leading the HR, Finance, Business systems, Software development and Quality & Compliance teams; managing key financial and commercial risks; working with Directors to produce and deliver business plans; member of the BRE Global Executive Board and secretary to the BRE Group Board.

Responsible for operational management of a £2m testing and certification business, day to day running with full P & L responsibility, financial reporting, project management and delivery of testing and certification services (team of 30). Significant achievements included doubling the size of the business over 6 years, always exceeding growth and profit targets (10%) in a very competitive B2B market.

Initially employed as a contract test engineer, I was promoted to the role of Laboratory Manager for the Electronic Security team. I was responsible for scheduling, planning and co-ordination of attack testing vehicle electronic security equipment and cars to the ‘Thatcham’ Insurance industry Criteria for Vehicle Security. This work was later incorporated into European Directives. The ground breaking work we did during this time was critical in reducing a nationwide epidemic of car theft in the 1990s.