Phil has 20 years experience in businesses starting out at British Leyland in Industrial Relations. A career in Human Resources followed; with 14 years at BASF in various roles including UK HR Director of both the Coatings and Pharmaceuticals divisions and three years at BASF's corporate headquarters.

In 1997 Phil was asked by BASF to become General Manager of a newly formed division - BASF Biocides; specialising in the research, development, manufacture and sales of specialty chemicals for preservation.

In 2002 he set up his own management consultancy specialising in European business growth for non-European companies and also helped set up the first UK consultancy specialising in business advice to SMEs. In 2007, after selling his consultancy interests, Phil joined EMDA, the East Midlands Development Agency, to design and deliver the East Midlands High Growth Programme - which has since gone on to become a nationally supported initiative.

A passionate advocate for the role that skills can play in delivering business performance Phil believes that the National Skills Academy is destined to become the One Stop Shop for Up-skilling and training in the Process Industries.