You cannot learn about the realities of operational management or operating in a commercial environment through consultancy work. I have a proven track record in actively delivering projects and programmes, solving problems, and managing change and crisis. Some examples of this follow.

Working for English Partnerships under a sub-contract to provide interim and transitional development management service for the Royal Docks schemes following the demise of the LDDC, I progressed a wide range of major projects without slippage, including negotiating the detailed development agreements which allowed the London Exhibition Centre (EXCEL) development to go ahead.

I joined North Kensington City Challenge as Chief Executive following a faltering start to the programme . I led the reorganisation of the programme. Parts that were not practical, useful or deliverable, were replaced with new and feasible plans that were acceptable to all concerned and which were successfully and fully implemented. NKCC quickly achieved and retained a top rating from the DETR.

While at Trafalgar House, the commercial property sector suffered a severe recession. I successfully completed and let schemes and sold surplus property in a dead market, sometimes in the face of extremely difficult management situations. I was responsible for THBP corporate and new business marketing during this period, and refocused activity towards providing tailored solutions to occupiers problems.

I joined GLE shortly after the demise of its sponsor, the GLC. It was haemorrhaging cash and its reputation in the property field had been compromised by a series of commercially ill advised investments. I rapidly rationalised the property portfolio and rebuilt the property arm as a commercial company specialising in industrial regeneration schemes. A shortage of capital was addressed by a series of bold joint ventures, tapping new sources of finance.

This experience has been put to good use in helping clients to devise practical strategies and viable projects, ranging from detailed analysis of the financial viability of major development and infrastructure programmes, to helping voluntary sector bodies to plan new activities. A detailed list of all of these projects can be downloaded here.