I'm Chairing a group working with BCC to secure Harborne Library most likely through a not for profit vehicle and a community asset transfer.

After stepping down as Chair of the Moor Pool Heritage Trust I set up a committee to save the listed Royalty Cinema in Harborne. Working with architects the Trust has developed detailed proposals to convert the building into a multi-use facility with 2 cinemas, conference/theatre auditorium, cafe, restaurant and community space supported by and extensive community survey. Working with other organisations a comprehensive viability study has been completed. The Trust has engaged with numerous potential commercial partners and secured funding for valuations and surveys.

I initiated the formation of the Trust a registered charity to carry out an extensive viability study, then negotiate and secure the purchase of the community assets of the Moor Pool Conservation area. This included 3 commercial premises, 2 residential flats, the Moor Pool Hall and skittle alley, the Moor Pool, 2 tennis clubs and a bowling green. This required a major fundraising campaign involving the public and numerous grant organisations. Recognising the importance of revenue and the provision of additional community space I personally committed to the acquisition of a builders yard and garage complex on the eve of their public auction. In addition, working in partnership with a developer, new and refurbished garage sites and the local allotments were also transferred to the Trust. The mixture of commercial income has provided the backbone for a Trust to continue to operate with a financial surplus even during the 2020 pandemic. In 2019 the Trust under the stewardship of the current Board received a Queens Award for Voluntary Service.

I provided a full product design and technical service starting from initial concepts, through working prototype manufacture, engineering drawings, bills of materials, costings, supplier liaison to development and final test. I advised clients on suppliers, components and materials and worked with suppliers on technical and specification matters, working with them to develop alternative solutions as necessary. I advised customers on conformity of their products with standards and submitted products to test houses for approval and certification. My broad product experience, spanned electrical consumer goods to security products incorporating plastic mouldings, vacuum formings, die castings, sheet metal pressings, turned parts etc.When required I advised clients on intellectual property matters, carrying out searches and working with patent agents on applications.

As President of the private members club formed in 1900 I introduced and gained the support for female membership from the clubs members. Having pressed for obtaining increased revenue from the clubs assets, it continued to remain financially secure even during the 2020 pandemic.

As Chair of the Association, active involvement in planning and conservation of the Estate was undertaken with the Association being recognised as exemplar. The creation of the Moor Pool Conservation and Management Plan was a joint collaboration with conservation officers from the Council. With the future of the community facilities in doubt I prioritised the Association pressing the freeholder of the community assets to negotiate their future and subsequently the Moor Pool Heritage Trust was formed to formerly negotiate their transfer. As part of the discussions with the local planning authority I put forward proposals for space to be developed as a community park funded by s106 monies and a government grant. I also engaged with planners to draw up the s106 agreement which defined use of local facilities for the benefit of the community. Whilst Chair, the Association instigated a number of regular community events including the Moor Pool Festival.

I worked on a contract basis for a company manufacturing architectural metalwork. I developed new business for the company establishing links with bespoke housing developments and building companies. I provided technical support for the manufacturing and design side of the business and also tenders and quotations to major construction company customers.

Ablec was the principal of a group of 3 companies operating on the same site. I was totally responsible for all aspects of design and development reporting directly to the Managing Director. Products ranged from electric heating appliances through sun beds to a specialised die cast workbench. As Technical Manager I also produced and controlled parts lists, engineering drawings, exploded views of products, instructions and component specification documents. The Quality Manual was my responsibility including the issue of changes and monitoring of Quality Manuals and documents in circulation. The company manufactured products for the UK market as well as Europe, North America, Japan and the Middle East.

My responsibilities encompassed the improvement of product design, manufacture and quality. As such I dealt with existing products including toasters and kettles, being primarily concerned to reduce returns by improved design, overcoming manufacturing problems and where possible introducing cost savings. This entailed at times the development of new components or modifications to existing ones. Mostly they were injection mouldings and pressings. Following a company reorganisation I reported to the Design Manager. As part of a small team I was responsible for the implementation and technical development of future products whether manufactured or factored. I produced engineering drawings and created bills of materials. I carried out preliminary evaluation of projects with directors and senior managers. Technical specifications would be created followed by engineering prototype drawings, costings and prototypes suitable for test and development.

I partnered my wife in the running of her jewellery manufacturing business. I was responsible for financial planning, accounts, costing, BOMs and customer sales.

Initially an in house designer reporting directly to the Technical Director, the nature of the department meant that I became more involved with the engineering aspects of the designs and worked closely with the production engineering department and manufacturing. In 1982 I was a finalist of the Hanson Trust Young Achievers scheme. I subsequently became increasingly responsible for the running of projects. In 1985 I was promoted to Industrial Design Manager continuing to report directly to the Technical Director. I was responsible for overseeing complete projects from initial concepts through models, prototypes, design, development and costing to final production. As such I managed a group of staff, which included electrical engineers, design engineers and model makers.I was also fully involved in the assessment of future projects at director and senior management level, presenting projected costs and prototype designs at new product meetings. I worked closely with the production engineering department, test laboratory and outside suppliers.