After graduating with a (really useful) degree in Russian and Swedish, I joined the media department of ad agency FCB. I went on to work in a number of other agencies, before leaving FCO in 1990 to launch a media independent with David Pattison and Jonathan Durden, known as PHD.

By 1995 PHD had grown to 45 people and turnover of around £90m p.a.  David, Jonathan and I were looking for new challenges.  We sold our company to the AMV Group, merged with their media department and embarked on a 5 year earn-out with very scary targets.

When I resigned as Chairman early in 2001, PHD had become a group of 8 companies employing nearly 250 mainly happy people, turning over nearly £400 million a year, making healthy profit and margins.  PHD has also just started rolling out to North America and other key territories. PHD has since become a very successful global network.

From 2003 I have worked as a Business Uncle, advising agencies and consultancies throughout the marcomms sector. Recent projects have included start ups, mergers, establishing joint ventures and helping a couple of companies survive the challenges of administration.

I worked with Kathleen at PHD, and I’m delighted to take an active role as Chairman in the development of The Lighthouse Company.

Kathleen says:
“Nick has been a constant mentor, advisor and champion for me and many others within the advertising industry – his advice is legendary. Not only has he built and led a hugely successful agency in PHD, but he has confidentially been the advisor behind so many businesses and entrepreneurs in this industry as they launch, merge and sell. His vast wisdom, experience and knowledge, together with his unshakable calm manner provide me with a wonderful yin and yang – I mean, just take look at us! I am blessed he agreed to come and build The Lighthouse with me.”