A Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Institution of Fire Engineers with over 20 years of proven track record within the fire safety industry. Additionally, James holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forest Products Technology and a Master of Science Degree in Building Services Engineering.

His career started by undertaking fire resistance and reaction to fire tests at a major testing laboratory. James then spent time gaining key experience by supporting several government sponsored research projects including the TF2000 compartment fire and combustible cavities fire testing regimes. In more recent years, James worked for a variety of leading fire engineering consultancies and was the Technical Director at a multi-disciplinary consultancy in London.

He is also involved with various BSi committees including the redrafting of BS 9999, drafting panel of BS 7273-6 and BS 8644 as well as FSH/000 strategic policy group. Alongside working with BRAC as part of Approved Document B Clarification Working Sub Group 1 (B1) for MHCLG.

James is regularly involved in expert matters providing both expert advice and expert witness reports to the courts one a variety of fire safety engineering matters. James has experience of being cross examined in adjudication process as well as in court. James expertise is focused around passive fire protection and fire stopping as well as fire engineering design and approaches and application of the relevant guidance and legislation with respect to contract matters.