Initially I qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Cooper Brothers & Co., and subsequently joined Palitoy Ltd. which at the time was one of the country’s largest toy manufacturers. I was Marketing and Export Manager for Action Man and other leading toy brands.Since those early days I have worked in the attractions industry for over 30 years, establishing the design and production company Farmer Studios, building it into one of Europe’s leading theme providers for the visitor attraction industry. Since 2003 I have run a consulting, design and production company providing a wide range of entertainment, interpretive design and production services. I primarily work for theme parks and other family-day-out destinations undertaking many different roles, but most often acting as design consultant, creative director and at times main contractor. As a consultant, I provide over 30 years of experience, knowledge and understanding during the complex process of park and new attraction development - projects that are often an operator's once in a lifetime purchase. I’ve been involved in the development of over 60 dark rides and roller coasters, and countless other attractions of all types.Much of my work is export based, in recent years working throughout Scandinavia, Europe, Malaysia, Singapore and the USA.I am a non-executive director of Wicksteed Park Ltd, Kettering, one of the UK's oldest leisure parks and a trustee of the Air Defence Radar Museum, based at RAF Neatishead. I am therefore experienced in operating on both sides of the industry, understanding the challenges of new project development from all points of view.I am a Past International President of the USA based Themed Entertainment Association, an alliance of the world’s leading creators, developers, designers and producers of compelling places and experiences. I am an active member (25 years) of the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, based in the USA.