Qualified from Trinity College Dublin in 1973. After a short spell in small animal practice and 5 years in mixed practice in Somerset , he returned to Stockport in 1979 to take up a partnership in what developed into a 10 vet small animal practice working from 2 hospitals and 2 branches. He retired from the partnership in April 2000 to pursue other interests within the profession, but carried on in a part-time capacity in the practice. He retired completely from the practice at the end of August 2002. In August 2003 he was appointed to the role of Communications Training Consultant for the VDS. He is a director of Centaur Services Ltd, a veterinary consultant for Anval Ltd, a VPMA council member and Chairman of the Veterinary Angling Association. He is a former president of the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons.