Who am I?
Prior to taking the very bold decision to become a Civil Celebrant, I worked in the City and have many years of experience working in investment operations. I am a confident person who is not fazed by new experiences and feel I have a wealth of experience to share with the families I meet and I am passionate to ensure that I give the families the services and tribute they are truly proud of.
I am an excellent communicator with a can-do approach to resolving issues. I am extremely meticulous, with an eye for detail and positive outlook, in often complex situations. After nine years with the same organisation, the time and the circumstances were right for a new challenge to utilise my extensive skills and experience. Becoming a Civil Celebrant has been an exciting and rewarding time.
I qualified for my diploma in Funeral Celebrancy with Civil Ceremonies Ltd in 2018. Passing this government approved training course has enabled me to become a member of The Institute of Civil Funerals. Civil Ceremonies have recently been rated by Ofsted as "outstanding" due to the quality of the training they provide being the very highest standard.
I have been extremely touched by the wonderful feedback I have received from each of my families, receiving such positive comments, before, during and after each of the services I have conducted. Please see my testimonials, for just a flavour of this feedback. I am extremely proud to have worked with all the families I have met and take solace in the fact that I have helped so many of them have the ceremony they truly want.
Some of my key strengths:
My calm and composed demeanor
My ability to make people feel at ease in my presence
My ability to assimilate a large amount of information without the ‘family member’ feeling like I am questioning them
I have a natural empathetic nature
I am able to actively listen to families in order to get to the essence of the life being remembered
When delivering my tribute, I am very engaging with the audience
Work History
- Hermes Investment Management Limited, London
- Macquarie Bank, London, Metals Settlements Division
- The Government of Singapore Investment Corporation
- The Institution of Civil Engineers
- The Metropolitan Police (civilian staff)
Personal Life
I am very much a family man and have been with my wife for 22 years and married for 16 years. I have lived in Istead Rise for 12 years after growing up in the Gravesham area. I am very proud of our two sons, aged 10 and 8, and enjoy spending time with my family whenever I can.
My wife and I have completely renovated our house, have built a kit car together as well as many other interests. As a car enthusiast, I enjoy watching motorsport, both on TV and live. I am a keen runner, having completed two marathons and a number of half marathons.I have two tropical fish tanks and a Koi pond in my back garden. I have been a member of the National Trust for over 20 years.
