Michael graduated from the University of Surrey with an honours degree in Hotel and Catering Management. He then spent his working life in the pub industry, holding various senior positions with Eldridge Pope, Marstons, Greenalls, Scottish and Newcastle Breweries and latterly Heineken. He estimates he has been responsible for some 2000 pubs over his working life. He currently acts as a mentor for Dorset Mentoring and, at present, is mentoring 4 small businesses.