Jim has 40+ years experience in business. As a qualified national and international logistics manager, he was running autonomous businesses by the age of 21 before joining an IT company who specialised in ERP manufacturing software. Starting as a service desk advisor, over the next 18 years he rose to become Commercial Director then Managing Director. His passion for delivering exceptional customer service led to the company growing still further and winning a number of awards. He led a management buyout and after more highly effective years leading the company to be a significant global presence, sold his majority shareholding and left to create Light In The Lab.

Jim was awarded Chartered Director status in 2005, recognising both his knowledge in company management and its practical application in running a successful business. His talks to MBA students and business leaders in the north-east of England have always been popular and inspiring, and he has served on the board of several local charities. As well as playing games and fishing in his spare time, he has completed the gruelling Lands End to John O Groats historic car rally (LeJog in a 1975 Saab 96, is an active member of the Irish vintage VW campervan club (Type 2 Ireland) and has performed stand-up comedy on stage at the Edinburgh Fringe festival.