Phil is a keen supporter of the YHA, having experienced hostels first as a teenager in Scotland and more recently with family and friends on regular breaks in England.  As a former Scout movement member in his youth and adult leader, he is passionate about the benefits to young people of spending time in wild areas and a strong believer that “where you go changes who you become”.

Phil’s career has primarily been spent in retail, working in buying and strategy for Asda and Wal-Mart for over two decades before taking up a Board position at Blackwell’s Bookshops.  Since 2022 he has been working in the third sector as Director of a Business Services company which is wholly-owned by a charity supporting families raising disabled and seriously ill children.

Phil is married with three children and lives in Yorkshire.  He is a keen hillwalker and mountaineer, as well as an avid reader and fan of sports.