Tom’s professional background is in regeneration, economic development and skills.  From 2018-21 he was Wakefield Council’s Corporate Director of Regeneration and Economic Growth, a key member of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in one of the fastest growing economies within the Leeds City Region, the UK’s biggest economic area outside London. 

His previous career roles include Director of Economy and Skills at Oldham Council in Greater Manchester, Deputy Chief Executive of the UK Learning and Work Institute, and senior leadership in high performing Councils across the UK - Blackburn with Darwen (Lancashire), the London Borough of Hounslow, and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

He has extensive professional experience in political environments, supporting elected Members and politicians of all parties successfully at local, regional and national levels.

Tom is a Chartered Surveyor, a Member and Chair of the UK Institute of Economic Development (MIED), and a Commissioner on the Living Wage Foundation for the UK.  For a number of years, he has been a member, policy lead and spokesperson for SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives), currently Health and Social Care.