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I started my management career after leaving college. I was unsuccessful in applying to join the army due to a failed medical, as I had a perforated eardrum. So it was to be a business rather than a military career! Coincidentally the army would play a part later on in my life in giving me an interest in training.
My career began in Burton Menswear. After initial training I was rewarded with my own store just two weeks before my marriage. Nottinghill Gate was to be my home for the next 16 months.
Notting Hill is famous now, not only for the film but also as a place where the smart set live and party. In those days gangsters and drug dealers frequented the area. During my time as Manager I witnessed, or was involved in - an armed robbery, riots, a nude woman in the shop (reported in the London Evening News!), a bomb scare, and several attacks on my staff and myself.
Moving to Northamptonshire saw me take charge of some clearance stores and when this project was complete I joined the training department. At the same time I managed to get into the Territorial Army and attended a series of train the trainer courses as part of my induction. By then the "training bug" had really bitten and I joined Milletts as a Training Officer. I thought it prudent to have some personnel qualifications and completed an IPM course, and secured a place on the Management Development Advisors programme at Lancaster University. The Territorial Army gave me qualifications too, and I hold certificates as a weapons instructor and I am qualified to take charge of a firing range - funnily enough I don't get a lot of requests for these two!
After a few years Sears acquired Milletts. Being part of a large organisation gave new opportunities and I progressed to Training & Development Manager, with responsibility for a brand new training centre with and an in-house training team.
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