Since 1974 I have spent my working career operating across sectors including retail, brands and manufacturing, founded the first UK design and pattern development service bureau supporting some of the European top designers.  Has a deep understanding of supply chain technologies and constantly strives to maintain thought leadership by embracing advanced technologies and innovation strategies. 

Professional Experience:

Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC)
Nov 2005 – Nov 2007
Joined PTC as the European Director, responsible for RFA (Retail Footwear & Apparel) Prime responsibilities included: building a European business plan for PLM, followed by the selection of both pre-sales and the technical presentation experts. My mission was to create market awareness for PTC’s FlexPLM application which I’m pleased to confirm was a great success and continues to grow under the direction of the new European Director. Today the company continues to build its business upon a strong foundation and I’m sure will go onto to deliver great results.  

Freeborders Limited
Jan 2001 – Oct 2005
Joined Freeborders as European Sales Director, responsible for it’s retail PLM division. Prime responsibilities include: the development of the Freeborders brand. Process design and support for the NEW PLM Suite.  Joint responsibility for the formation of the CAB (Customer Advisory Board) for continued development of new solutions from Freeborders.

Gerber Technologies
Sep 1994 – June 2000
I joined Gerber Garment Technology, following the acquisition of Microdynamics. Working within the new RFA division focused 100% on the design and sales of PDM software, consultancy, customisation and training. Under took a leading role in the process design of Gerber’s WEBPDM solution, the second generation of PDM systems for the Retail/Brand/Manufacturing vertical.  Together with Donnisthorp Threads, and GSD, formed the original PDP Group (Product Development Partnership). This group contained several leading suppliers to the retail vertical which supplied systems that could benefit from integration. The organisation built and supplied standard API’s to assist the customers to improve the compounded benefits of integration. The PDP created marketing exposure leading to further credibility and increased awareness for PDM.

Microdynamics
Jan 1989 – Sep 1994
Joined Microdynamics, to develop their first European office based in Manchester. Appointed as Director of Sales and Marketing continuing to offer the services of the well established design and pattern bureau but also introducing the Microdynamics design/CAD systems to the European market. Using my manufacturing experience worked closely with the R&D team to assist in the development of the first PDM system within the apparel industry (Classic PDM).

Xetal Systems
Nov 1985 – Jan 1989
I joined Xetal Systems (Software division of Lawtex PLC) as Design Bureau Manager focusing on development of the Design Service Bureau, offering a pattern and design service using Microdynamics CAD systems and introduced the first digital printing service based around the need to develop garment samples within 24 hours.

Lawtex PLC
Sep 1974 – Nov 1985
 I joined Lawtex PLC a major supplier to Marks & Spencer as a Management Trainee under the guidance of Mr G.M. Schafer, Company Chairman and founder of the Clothing & Footwear Institute. Commenced training in the cutting room, learning all process techniques and systems. Attended several managerial instruction courses and progressed to Cutting Room Manager at the age of 21. Progressed into the work-study department learning all aspects of work-study engineering including: work-study engineering (time study) (method engineering) (GSD - practitioners synthetic engineering). 1981 promoted to Assistant Production Manager. 1982 promoted to Production Manager with a workforce of 90 employees. I was selected by Marks & Spencer to attend a prestigious training course, where 20 young mangers from around the world were given the opportunity to develop new improved processes across the supply chain. 1983 transferred to the Career Wear Division as Factory Manager with 160 employees.