My career began with an apprenticeship as an Aero/Engine Fitter, spending 10 years in the Civil Service maintaining and repairing military helicopters at Fleetlands in Hampshire.

My next move was into the Police Force, serving with Hampshire Constabulary for 24 years both in uniform on the streets, and as a Detective in CID.  My last role prior to retirement was within the Professional Standards Department for which I had to be security-cleared to a high standard.  I was told that I was selected for this role because of my reputation as a police officer and my personal integrity.  

So what does all that mean for my Safer Chimneys customers?  It means that they can be confident that I am trustworthy and will be respectful of both them and their home.  

Moving from police officer to chimney sweep was not the drastic career change that it might have appeared because I took many of the skills learned in one job to the other.  My training in the police force included communication and a "customer care" approach to serving the public.  Now I've combined those skills and gone back to my roots as a manual worker.

When I embarked upon my new career, I wanted to ensure that I learnt my trade properly so I joined the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS) and completed their course in their specialist training unit in Staffordshire.  The training didn't stop there...I went on-the-job training with a Director of NACS who completed the process with an assessment to ensure my skills and equipment were of a high enough standard to deliver a professional chimney sweeping service.