Date & place of birth:
December 6 1950 in the suburbs of south London (no surprise there to some people!).

Profession:
Managing Director of Shure Distribution UK.

What was your first professional job?
Working in the production control office of a telecommunications equipment manufacturer.

Why sound?
The telecommunications company I worked for also looked after public address systems installed in places like the Royal Albert Hall and other venues. This is how I first came into contact with Shure products.

Who or what provided your biggest inspiration?
A guy called John Maunder, who was the first Managing Director of Shure Electronics Ltd., back in the days when Shure owned us the first time around. John was a fantastic influence on not just myself, but many other Shure people who have gone on to bigger and better things in the sound industry.

What do you consider to be your biggest achievement?
After a long time and a very diverse route, ending up with John's job.

Is there anything about the industry that you'd like to change?
No, I've met some fantastic people, competitors, suppliers and customers alike and made long-term friends in the industry throughout the world. I would not change a day of my involvement in the business. However, I believe it's getting harder for younger people to enter the industry. We need to encourage and give them more opportunities.

Do you envisage any major improvements or enhancements to wireless microphone technology occurring within the next 12 months?
There will be advanced features in wireless technology making it even more user-friendly. This is, of course, if the government continues to allow relevant frequency spectrum available for wireless microphone users. In the long term, digital technology will have an enormous impact on the wireless microphone market, as it has with other product sectors in our industry.

What are the best and worst aspects of your profession?
Best: Being an integral part of the growth of the company in the different and varied market sectors.
Worst: Spreadsheet hell.

What were the last additions to your record/CD collection?
Prince - Musicology; Muse - Absolution; Loretta Lynn - Van Lear Rose.

Any hobbies away from the job?
Gillingham F.C. season ticket holder, horse riding, and classic cars.

The last live show you attended as a paying punter?
The Isley Brothers, Kool & The Gang, and Amy Winehouse.

If you met the teenage Dennis Harburn, what advice would you give him?
Always take every chance that comes your way and continue to remain the optimist.