Originally a Chemist I trained in Electrochemistry (MSc.) and Corrosion (PhD) before joining a non-ferrous metals research institute. When the BNF Metals folded in 1992 I worked as the Sales and Technical Manager of a small paint company, Galvatech, specialising in zinc coatings. At Galvatech I wrote technical specifications for products addressing many corrosion issues, but I also learnt many business basics around marketing, sales, finance and publicity. Galavetch was also a place where I gained a love for working with large numbers of clients and managing a diverse workload. After two years I returned to science at AEA Technology working in the electrochemistry and corrosion team, 

In 1998 I joined NASURF, the National Surface Engineering Centre as Marketing Manager and later as Project Manager. I managed the responses to technical enquiries and began my exploration of the World Wide Web. I organised Technical meeting and in 1999 the NASUF conference, attended by about 100 industry representatives. 

In 2000 I then went to Sheffield Hallam University as Business Development manager. There I ran the consultancy business and led efforts to apply for research grants. In 2005 I took over efforts to develop the website which eventually gained 150k views per year.