After obtaining a degree in Law and an MBA, Phil held a variety of board level positions, working for international aerospace companies. Following many years working in Commercial roles, negotiating contracts with countries and governments throughout the world, he changed direction and spent several years leading Business Improvement organisations. Following retirement from full-time employment in 2008, Phil became a non-executive director of Devon and Cornwall Housing and chairman of its housing support subsidiary. In 2014 he was appointed as the director of the Dartmoor Preservation Association. Outside work, his main interests include photography, walking and watching birds and butterflies.