John was invited to join the financial services industry by a friend in 1982, having previously been financial director of a private manufacturing company.

John has worked for two large national advisers. During his career he has worked closely with local firms of solicitors and accountants, where specialist advice was needed. In addition he has given a large number of retirement and redundancy seminars, held by employers for the benefit of their staff at a time when careful financial planning is paramount.

His son is in the army, and he lives with his wife, Muriel. Over the years they have both had an interest in the breeding and showing of Bullmastiffs, and John had judged the breed both in the UK and on the Continent. He describes himself a reluctant gardener but has many scars to testify to his DIY prowess.