A Little about me I have spent a career in industry with both start-up businesses and multi-nationals.

Full statement

I have recently retired as Chief Operating Officer and Chief financial officer of one of Buckinghamshire’s largest manufacturers and private employers. Over the 13 years I was with them we became: -the first business of its kind in the world to be carbon neutral over 10 years ago, -the first of its kind to achieve ISO Environmental Management accreditation, -the first business of its kind to use British Red Tractor wool in our product and won a Queen’s Award for Sustainability in 2020. During this time, the business more than tripled its turnover and improved its profitability demonstrating that good environmental practice is good business practice.

I moved to Moreton-in-Marsh in March 2022 with my wife after having lived in our last village for 32 years where we brought up our three children. It is now time for me to spend my time and expertise supporting those less fortunate than myself and serve our community. I am a volunteer driver for Cotswold friends and I am privileged to have represented the people of Moreton as a town councillor since September 2022. I am now looking to represent the people and businesses of the town and their interests on Cotswold District Council

The Importance of Local Elections Local Council Elections provide a direct way to influence your community, village or town. In the forthcoming Cotswold District Council elections the major responsibilities are refuse collection, recycling, housing and planning.

Recycling and the Environment As an ex-director of a waste recycling business (sold last year) based in Lancashire, I would look to use my sustainability, financial and operational leadership in accelerating our council’s zero carbon target to meet the national objective (which is still too little, too late).

Planning and Development It is no secret that Moreton has seen huge development over the last decade or so. Any further development needs to ensure it takes into account the need for the community to be sustainable with jobs and services being provided to avoid it becoming a commuter suburb. Any further development also needs to recognise the importance of Moreton as being in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and must not degrade our surroundings.

Education and Connections Secondary Schools are only viable with pupil numbers of around 1000 so that a full range of subjects, support and resources are available. Moreton would need to expand significantly to warrant a secondary school in the town and I am not advocating it should. Instead, the town needs better provision for teenagers and better, affordable, public transport provision to venues and training opportunities in other areas, notably the south of the county and north into Stratford and Warwick. Whilst neither education nor transport are responsibilities of Cotswold District Council, a strong voice is required to represent the needs of the town in these areas.