After graduating from Cambridge University, Mark began his career in computing as a research fellow at the Open University. Leaving academia Mark and a colleague further developed these ideas and founded Integrated Micro Products. Over 15 years Mark grew this to a several hundred person business, made a US acquisition, floated it on the US NASDAQ stock exchange and was ultimately acquired by Sun Microsystems.

Since leaving Sun he has continued to develop his business career and is Chairman of Northern Enterprise Ltd, a major North East based Venture and Loan Capital company and ESB Ltd, a developer of business applications for mobile devices. He is a non-executive director of Non-Linear Dynamics, a leading developer of proteomics software and Arjuna, a middleware and transactioning software company.

Mark is also involved in a number of business development organisations. He chairs the Derwentside Industrial Development Agency, a local business start-up and support agency, and is a director of The Alchemists (Northern) Ltd, which is a government backed body charged with maximizing the potential of the North-East’s highest growth businesses.

Mark’s public commitments include membership of the Steering Groups of both the Northern Way and the Newcastle Science City initiative. He is also an Ambassador for Derwentside in recognition of his contribution to the district.

As a significant donor to local charities, Mark is also a director and trustee of County Durham Foundation, where he chairs the Investment committee. He is a founder member and chairman of an innovative Venture Philanthropy group which brings together talented entrepreneurs who give both time, skills and money to local charitable groups to help improve their effectiveness.

Coming full circle on his career Mark has recently re-entered academic life with his appointment as David Goldman Visiting Professor of Business Innovation at Newcastle University where he is also a member of the University Council. Finally he enjoys skiing and sailing with his wife and four children, ski touring with his friends, is a champion leek grower and an international level competitor in motor rallies.