Tell us a little bit about you and your company
I work for Cadence, one of the world’s leading semiconductor design software companies. Our technology helps customers create the chips and systems inside almost every electronic device. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Silicon Valley, Cadence now has over 12,000 employees in 25 countries.
Our customers range from hyperscale computing and 5G to aerospace and life sciences, and we provide software, hardware, IP and turnkey services to bring designs to life.
Can you give us some background to your working career?
I studied business studies at university and spent my placement year with Fujitsu in Slough. After graduating, I qualified as a CIMA accountant and later joined Cadence in 2004 as a sales finance business partner.
After nine years, I spent a year with Norland Managed Services before returning to Cadence in a worldwide finance role. For the past five years, I’ve worked as Chief of Staff and Operations Director supporting our Sales VP for EMEA.
Why are you a BID board director and why do you volunteer your time for the local business community?
I first spoke at a BID “Meet Your Neighbour” event in 2023, sharing what Cadence does. Later, I was invited to join the board, which I was pleased to accept.
Having worked in Bracknell for around 20 years, I’ve seen the area develop and wanted to help improve the Western and Southern business district
Why are you passionate about the Bracknell BID area?
I’m in the office most of the week, so having a clean, attractive area with good outdoor spaces makes a real difference. It also helps attract new talent to Cadence and other local employers.
Resources like the BID directory are great for sourcing locally and supporting the community.
What skills and experience do you bring to the BID board?
I bring nearly two decades of experience working locally and a background in sales, finance and operations within a multinational business. I’ve recently joined the Admin and Finance BID team and look forward to contributing further.
What projects or initiatives that the BID has delivered are you most proud of?
The loyalty cards have been a great way to encourage local spending. I’m also passionate about health and wellbeing, so it’s good to see yoga, spin classes, and improvements to places like Farleymoor Lake.
Better transport options like the shuttle bus and BID bikes also make a real difference for employees.
What difference do you hope the BID will have made in the next five years?
I’d like to see continued improvements to the environment, better safety measures like CCTV, and initiatives that help attract and retain businesses in the area.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m passionate about football and have coached youth teams from under-7s to under-18s, as well as playing for Holyport FC. I also enjoy golf, socialising, and spending time with my two children.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve been given?
One piece that has always stuck with me is: “Say what you are going to do, and do what you said you would do.”
Another is to treat your work as if it’s your own business—make decisions carefully and take ownership.