I grew up in Consett, County Durham, and began my career in the construction industry as a carpenter and joiner in 1990. I completed a traditional apprenticeship, which gave me a strong grounding in how buildings are constructed and detailed on site. Alongside this practical experience, I continued my education at Framwellgate Moor College and later at Leeds Metropolitan University, graduating in 2000.

After graduating, I worked across both residential and commercial property. My roles included private surveying practice, local authority work, and projects for housing associations in the North East and the West Midlands. This work covered a wide range of building types, from individual houses and flats to larger commercial and public buildings. It involved condition surveys, defect investigation, maintenance planning, and advice on repair and improvement works. This experience has given me a clear understanding of how buildings perform over time, where problems commonly arise, and how repairs should be specified and managed in a proportionate way.

I became a Chartered Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2005. In 2007, I set up my own practice to provide clear, practical advice based on experience and sound judgement. I place a strong emphasis on personal service and straightforward communication. This may involve explaining defects and risks to a homeowner in plain terms, or advising a director of estates or property manager on more complex commercial issues. My aim is always the same. To help clients understand their property, assess risk, and make informed decisions with confidence.