My first kite was a 4ft Hot Shot, flown in 1984 with my late father, one of Flexifoil's co-founders.

My background before being involved with Flexifoil was in electronic gaming. After undertaking an apprenticeship from 16-18, I started my own business. I was the youngest Brit to be awarded a gaming license. I sold that business in 2007 and took the reins of Flexifoil in 2008. Since joining Flexifoil, the brand has expanded from 28 to 64 countries and can be found in over 500 stores and kite schools across all continents.

I enjoy all aspects of kitesports and have recently returned from a kitesurfing holiday in Soma Bay, Egypt. The wind was 22-40mph every day. Flat water and beautifully warm. I highly recommend a visit! Since then I have been training in Exmouth for the upcoming Channel Crossing attempt with Sir Richard Branson.

This year, BBC's Mike Bushell and Helen Skelton learned power kiting with Flexifoil and on my last trip to Weymouth I met some of the British Olympic sailing team who all had Flexifoil kitesurfing kites in the sky during their time out from practice. Now kitesurfing has been included as an Olympic sport from 2016. This makes it a very exciting time for the kitesurfing industry as a whole.

I am very lucky to be surrounded by a team of passionate and experienced staff, consultants and friends who have each contributed towards the growth of Flexifoil as it went from a modest UK kite company into a global brand.

Flexifoil is one of the main sponsors of the Student Kitesurfing Association (SKA) in the United Kingdom. A 300+ team of young people who do literally 'live to fly'. They share our passion for growing kiting into a mainstream sport. I am always grateful to them for everything they do. I am pretty sure that more university students learn to kite on Flexifoil's kites than any other brand out there.

Flexifoil is more than just a business to me, it is my passion. This year is Flexifoil's 40th anniversary and we've already been celebrating. The first party was at the NABX (North American Buggy Expo) in Primm Valley, Nevada. The next event is scheduled for the 18th August at the Watergate Bay Hotel and Extreme Academy in Cornwall, UK. Please come and visit us.I am married to Carol and we have a daughter called Holly. I am a lucky man! When I'm not focussing on Flexifoil, I spend a lot of time with my family. And during time out from kites, I can be found in the gym, on my bike, flying down a mountain on skis or scuba diving if the weather is kind.

My mission is to bring kitesports to a wider audience and every day at Flexifoil we commit ourselves to doing just that!

Good winds!