Self employed administrator and project manager. Completion of end of year tax returns and setting up computerised payroll for several companies. Installing and populating databases, both commercially and voluntarily.

Jointly funded by Stowmarket Town Council and Mid Suffolk District Council on a fixed term basis. Provided project management guidelines for the Town Council and made grant applications for the Regal refurbishment. Managed three projects for the Forum, and led the move for the Forum to become a Community Interest Company.

Left Rural Action East to administer my father’s estate, which included applying for probate, settling all outstanding matters, clearing, and then selling his bungalow. After that, took time out for an extended holiday in New Zealand, where my eldest daughter and son-in-law live.

Programme management of Biffaward (one of the Landfill Tax Credit Schemes) for Eastern England. This involved assistance to around 30 diverse projects, covering any community based improvements near to a landfill site. The projects ranged from provision of skate parks, collection of rare native tree seeds, to village hall extensions. My role was to assist with the initial application to the scheme after assessing its suitability, through to progress monitoring and reporting, payment of project costs, and closure after completion. Also assessed individual applications for awards under the Community Champions Fund. The RAE role focussed on applications from rural areas. Both roles involved close liaison with other local organisations, from East of England Development Agency to Parish Councils. A third task within RAE was acting as project manager in establishing accredited Rural Community Council training courses in the East of England, being set up in conjunction with the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and funded by the European Social Fund.

Working in the finance department of a local charity, Suffolk ACRE. Main responsibilities include recharging projects for facilities used within the core organisation, and ensuring all payments in and out are carried out according to financial regulations

Working on temporary contracts providing technical support at Atco-Qualcast in Stowmarket, and processing credits at PPG Automotive Paints.

Preparing for the upgrade to communications facilities for London Underground as part of Metronet. Also managed 2 projects involving Network Rail; evaluating options for replacing obsolete Driver Only Operation CCTV equipment, and for designing systems to meet current Section 12 fire safety standards at Wembley Central station.

As a direct result of the introduction of tax changes from 6 April 2000 (under IR35), decided to wind up my limited company. 'Downshifted' temporarily to local work. Worked 18 hours/week at Stowmarket High School, as a design and technology technician. I then left to work full time at TDG Logistics, picking paint orders on contract to ICI Dulux.