Qualifications

• LLB (Hons)
• BL

Background and Experience

Mike was born in Lugwardine and has lived in Holyhead for 29 years.  Upon graduation from the RAF College Cranwell, Mike pursued a career in the RAF, serving at home and overseas, before opting to leave at age 38 as a Squadron Leader.  He retrained as a Commercial Pilot in Canada, and then converted to a UK CPL/IR.

Upon his return to the UK 29 years ago, he undertook to help set-up and run, for 6 months, the now highly successful Ucheldre Arts Centre in Holyhead.  Unfortunately, it became an all-consuming passion to develop the project with major capital development, and refurbishment.  He continues as its General Manager/Artistic Director, and is currently embarking upon an ambitious scheme for a newbuild to improve the facilities to provide much-needed community facilities.  There is also the annual struggle for revenue as Ucheldre needs to raise 60% of its income from donations, and its own resources.

He was appointed to the Holyhead Boatyard Ltd Board in January 1998 as non-executive director with an increasing role dealing, in particular, with the legal and contractual aspects of the Group’s activities which range worldwide and involve an annual turnover of c£25M.

Other involvements are as Founder Member and Chair of the Anglesey Arts Forum which seeks to promote the cultural and artistic life on Anglesey.  Also a member of the Anglesey Attractions Association.

Expertise

Experienced in running a charitable social enterprise; a busy arts organisation with constant need to raise funds, and keep afloat.  Knowledge of aspects of commercial and marine law, financing, corporate governance and banking as part of an SME.  Experience as a Board member and Company Secretary.  Experienced in running events including Anglesey Arts Weeks:  Open Studios.  Practised in accessing public and private funding and delivering projects.