As a designer, developer and deal maker he has been instrumental in creating new opportunities in often neglected and forgotten city districts. Tony has a background in architecture having gained qualifications at Sheffield Hallam University (formerly Sheffield City Polytechnic) and worked in practice with the architectural firms of Hadfield Cawkwell Davidson and Crampin and Pring, working on many schemes in a variety of roles from lead designer to project manager. Major schemes included Sheffield Canal Basin, Shipgates Shopping Centre, Weetwood Hall Hotel and Conference Centre, Benefits Agency Offices and Sheffield City Airport.

Since 1996 he has been a developer and has been involved in many schemes including; the assembly and purchase of a 1.2 acre site in Devonshire Green and attaining planning for 476 student bedspaces and subsequently sold to form the central part of the £40m West One development; a 36 bed unit in Gell Street, the 319 bed Devonshire Courtyard, the 438 bed and commercial Exchange Works, St Andrews Plaza;  Genefax House; Impact heritage industrial property and new build multi-story private apartments alongside a 380 bed student accommodation ultimately sold to the Watkin Jones group and is now complete and fully occupied.

Tony has been involved in many land and property transactions where planning difficulties have been resolved, including sites with brownfield (PPG3) issues such as contamination and ground stability, conservation areas involving mansions, scheduled gardens, and developments with highways complications including the acceptance of car-free city centre housing.

Tony also co-founded the Devonshire Cat pub which is recognised as being instrumental in introducing the concept of large city centre pubs that specialising in high quality real ales and continental beers for the under 35’s market.