I have a passion for all things retailing, and have now worked in the retail industry for over 25 years, in which time I’ve owned a variety of stores ranging from successful Supermarkets to Forecourt Services.  

Having leased a number of our stores to other store groups, including Asda and BP, I now own James Convenience Retail Ltd, which owns and operates 50 stores under Budgens, Select Convenience, and Bargain Booze fascias. 

In 2003, I was very proud to win the UK Forecourt Trader of the Year, and Independent Newcomer of the Year at the Retail Industry Awards. I have since won numerous awards. 

I also work closely with the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).  I served as Vice Chair of the ACS and was then elected to Chairman from 2011-2014.  I have since been elected as Chairman of the ACS Retailer Board, which I still chair. 

I love the fact that no two days are the same in the retail industry, and I thoroughly enjoy meeting new people and being my own boss. I believe the future of our industry lies in embedding itself into the communities that it serves. We constantly need to improve store standards and be seen to be doing our bit for the planet by using greener technologies.