I started my career, having left school at 16, as a counter assistant in a locksmith’s shop, the plan was that I’d do an apprentiship and eventually become a locksmith, I was very happy with that idea but, as we all know, plans are subject to change.
I showed promise on the admin side so was moved into the office. I pretty much had a promotion every 11 months for 5 years ending up as branch manager of the company’s Dudley branch up in the west midlands, that’s where I met my life-long friend, Steve Phillips.
I left my job there to go sailing as I felt that I needed some time off.