Phil graduated from Sheffield University in 1974 to join Guardian Royal Exchange as a graduate trainee - after 3 years he moved to the broker division of Abbey Life where he developed significant business from a number of advisers in the West Midlands.

In 1987 he was invited to join 2 firms headed by Peter London and Tony Ashby to help facilitate a merger of their companies which saw the formation in 1989 of Ashby London Financial Services. Phil was instrumental in the development of the company as a director and from 2003 as Managing Director until the sale to EFG private bank in 2010 . He continued as a director until the sale to Bellpenny in 2017. During his career he built up a client base of successful businesses in the West Midlands looking after the needs of their owners and also their employees.

In more recent years he has specialised in helping them and their families enjoy the benefits of the wealth created working in conjunction with their other professional advisers