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After graduating in 1988 from Middlesex Polytechnic with a BA (Hons) degree in Graphic Design, he started working in London for Peter Leonard Associates, a large design group working in retail and print. He worked with clients such Laura Ashley, The Science Museum in London, The National Railway Museum, Jasper Conran, Ideal Standard, Virgin Megastores and produced several Television Identities for Channel 4 in Wales.

Following this Mike worked as a freelance designer in London for several years, working both in-house with large agencies and handling his own clients, designing projects for George at ASDA, NEXT and Fenwicks, alongside work for Orchestras and high profile charities. 

Having moved back to his native North East in 1997, Mike worked for a large regional Design Consultancy, gardiner Richardson, as Design Director overseeing a design team working with clients such as North East Chamber of Commerce, ONE NorthEast, The Sage Group, Ryder HKS Architects, The Hatton Gallery, Swallow Hotels, De Vere Slaley Hall Hotel and Traidcraft among others.