Career Mentoring
Blundell’s School Career Mentoring Programme is designed to help both current and past pupils with career advice in specific industries and career paths. The guidance that can be offered by these mentors has proven invaluable to the decision making process for pupils and Old Blundellians that are either starting out in the world of work and those who are seeking a change of career. We hope that you will find it of assistance in your particular quest.
How to use the directory
Before using the Career Mentoring Programme please download and read the Terms & Conditions for its use. Blundell’s is committed to providing an informative and safe forum for career mentors/mentees and any abuse of this programme will not be tolerated.
If you are looking for advice in a specific industry or career please select the industry category on the right hand side to view possible mentors. Some of our mentors have asked the Development Office to make the initial introductions, but if contact details are listed you are welcome to contact the mentors directly with your questions. Please remember that our mentors are sometimes very busy and may not be able to answer your questions immediately.
This programme is for advice and guidance only, if you are seeking employment please contact the Development Office as they will be able to assist you with a list of mentors that are willing to offer jobs or work experience. Equally if you do not see a mentor in your industry contact the Development Office as they may be able to assist you with an alternative mentor.
How to become a mentor
We encourage Blundellians (OBs, Past and Current Parents, Governors and Supporters) from all stages of life to participate and become involved in this programme. If you would like to offer your services as a Blundell’s Mentor please download and return the application form along with a photo for your entry to the Development Office. Please note you can also become a member of our programme without displaying your details on this directory.
Accountancy & Finance
Gild, Alex
Association: Alex Gild is an Old Blundellian (SH 1986-91)
Business/Position: Director of Finance at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Description: Qualified Chartered Management Accountant working in the NHS
Region: Oxfordshire
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
Hall-Tomkin, Clive
Association: Clive Hall-Tomkin is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Partner at Maxwell's Accountants
Description: n/a
Region: Bridgwater
Tel: 01278 423008
Mob: 07801 291235
e-mail: clive@maxwellsaccountants.co.uk
website: www.maxwellsaccountants.co.uk
Handasyde Dick, Angus
Association: Angus Handasyde Dick is an Old Blundellian (P 1968-72)
Business/Position: Chartered Accountant
Description: Specialises in taxation
Region: Devon
Tel: 01548 830314
Mob: 07866 508442
e-mail: handasydedicka@gmail.com
Agriculture / Farming / Land Management / Gardening
Gaskell, Simon
Association: Simon Gaskell is an Old Blundellian (P 1980-84)
Business/Position: Owner of The Real Boar Company
Description: Specialises in Agricultural Businesses along with the marketing and distribution of a 'niche' product
Region: Cotswolds
e-mail: simon@therealboar.co.uk
website: www.therealboar.co.uk
Maunder, Richard
Association: Richard Maunder is an Old Blundellian (P 1978-83)
Business/Position: CEO of the Devon County Agricultural Association
Description: Also experienced in Farming and Event Management
Region: Devon
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
Armed Forces
Lennox, Robert
Association: Robert Lennox is an Old Blundellian (OH 1999-2006)
Business/Position: Lieutenant, Platoon Commander, in the Armed Forces
Description: n/a
Region: Canterbury
Mob: 07739 024615
e-mail: rob_lennox@live.co.uk
Soul, Nick
Association: Nick Soul is an Old Blundellian (1985-90)
Business/Position: Commander in the Royal Navy
Description: Specialises in military aviation; Commando helicopter pilot
Region: Dorset
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: njsoul71@gmail.com
See Nick Cooper and Richard Swarbrick under Medical.
Banking / Financial Services / Insurance
Bentata, David
Association: David Bentata is an Old Blundellian (FH 1951-56)
Business/Position: Proprietor of Bentata Associates
Description: After studying law at Oxford University, David was involved in Merchant Banking & International Investment Management. David also has experience in Engineering.
Region: Hertfordshire
Tel: 01462 435341
e-mail: davidbentata@btconnect.com
Henson, Rory
Association: Rory Henson is an Old Blundellian (FH 2006-08)
Business/Position: Investment Banker at IBIS Capital
Description: Also specialises in fundraising, investment & private equity
Region: London
e-mail: roryhenson@yahoo.co.uk
Neale, Michael
Association: Michael Neale is an Old Blundellian (M 1972-76)
Business/Position: Town Clerk
Description: 30 years experience in the banking/financial industry. Also able to give advice on Will & Estate Planning.
Region: Devon
Tel: 01297 552751
Mob: 07976 835009
e-mail: mikeneale123@btinternet.com
Building Services / Building Products
Eveleigh, Philip
Association: Philip Eveleigh is an Old Blundellian (P 1994-99)
Business/Position: Chemical Engineer for British Gypsum Ltd
Description: After completing a degree in Engineering at Brunel University Phil worked as a Research Analyst before working as a Process/Chemical Engineer.
Region: Nottingham
Tel: 01159 451048
Mob: 07752 380232
e-mail: philip.eveleigh@saint-gobain.com
Business Services
Bland, Toby
Association: Toby Bland is an Old Blundellian (SH 1984-89)
Business/Position: CEO & Founder of Enhanced Investment Products Ltd
Description: Also specialises in Asset Management, Recruitment in Asia and Event Management
Region: Hong Kong
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
Education / Academic / Training
Heard, Tom
Association: Tom Heard is an Old Blundellian (M 1994-99)
Business/Position: PE Teacher and Head of Year at Uffculme School
Description: Physical Education Teacher & PE Tutor for University of Exeter
Region: Devon
Tel: 01884 840458
Mob: 07966 674296
e-mail: heardt@uffculmeschool.net
website: www.uffculmeschool.devon.sch.uk
Engineering / Construction / Property
Ansell, Mark
Association: Mark Ansell is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Chartered engineer for The Wool Packaging Company
Description: specialises in the engineering and manufacturing industry
Region: Devon
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
Beard, Mark
Association: Mark Beard is an Old Blundellian (SH 1976-81)
Business/Position: Chief Executive of E W Beard Ltd
Description: n/a
Region: Swindon
website: www.beard-construction.co.uk
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
Bishop, Nigel
Association: Nigel Bishop is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Principal at Recoco
Description: Residential Property Consultant throughout the South West
Region: Exeter
Tel: 01392 433554
Mob: 07939 559349
e-mail: njb@recoco.co.uk
website: www.recoco.co.uk
Le Page, Amanda
Association: Amanda Le Page is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Chartered Architect, Le Page Architects Ltd
Description: Chartered Architect with qualification in architectural conservation and historic buildings/sites.
Region: Cornwall
Tel: 01752 841380
Mob: 07802 848432
e-mail: amanda@lepagearchitects.com
Thomas, Derek
Association: Derek Thomas is an Old Blundellian (NC 1967-71)
Business/Position: Architect
Region: Cape Town, South Africa
e-mail: thomas.derek1@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-thomas-3aaa0a177/
Entertainment / Media
See also Sam Farmer under Health, Beauty & Fitness.
Walshe, Nick
Association: Nick Walshe is parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Corporate video production and training
Description: An ex-TV network journalist with BBC, ITN and Al Jazeera, also worked in papers and radio a long time ago. Nick has done a lot of recruitment for Al Jazeera English and has a good idea of what people are looking for.
Region: Dubai
e-mail: njwalshe@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-walshe-aa1a9012/
Food / Beverage
See also Yunib Siddiqui under Retail.
Government / Public Service
Pinkney, Olivia
Association: Olivia Pinkney is an Old Blundellian (GH 1986-88)
Business/Position: Assistant Inspector of Consultancy for Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC)
Description: Experienced Police Officer, specialising in serious crime, intelligence, public safety along with local policing
Region: Sussex
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
See also Alex Gild under Accountancy & Finance.
Health, Beauty & Fitness
Farmer, Sam
Association: Sam Farmer is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Managing Director of Jump In 2 Media
Description: Specialises in Cosmetic Science and TV & Film
Region: Devon
Mob: 07775 783339
e-mail: samfarmer@me.com
website: www.jumpin2media.com
IT / Computing
Wilce, Mark
Association: Mark Wilce is an Old Blundellian (SH 1973-77)
Business/Position: Vice-President of Becrypt
Description: Specialises in Software products with a focus on system software and heading up product development in start up companies
Region: Buckinghamshire
Tel: 01494 722960
Mob: 07747 065446
e-mail: mark.wilce@o2.co.uk
Wilcocks, Andy
Association: Andy Wilcocks is an Old Blundellian (W 1993-98)
Business/Position: Resourcing & Recruitment Manager at EurotaxGlass
Description: Internal resourcing and recruitment manager. Experience in HR and links to Business School in London.
Region: Wiltshire
Tel: 07919 345079
Mob: 07703 099654
e-mail: andywilcocks@hotmail.co.uk
Insurance
See also: Anthony Jacques under Management Consultancy.
Law / Legal Services
Akerman, Will
Association: Will Akerman is an Old Blundellian (Petergate 1984-88)
Business/Position: Solicitor at Bond Dickinson LLP
Description: specialises in commercial real estate
Region: Hampshire
Tel: 01794 519101
Mob: 07968 427109
e-mail: william.akerman@bonddickinson.com
Crosse, Anna
Association: Anna Crosse is an Old Blundellian (NC 1996-2003)
Business/Position: Legal Advisor at Johnson Matthey PLC
Description: Commercial lawyer (training both 'in-house' and with private practice experience) specialising in precious metals, chemicals and catalysts.
Region: London
Mob: 07811 896033
e-mail: annacrosse@hotmail.co.uk
website: www.matthey.com
Horton, Mark
Association: Mark Horton is an Old Blundellian (W 1967-72)
Business/Position: Barrister & Circuit Judge
Description: Barrister & Circuit Judge in Bristol specialising in criminal work, personal injury, employment & landlord/tenancy work.
Region: Bristol
e-mail: mahorton@gmail.com
Lee, Michael
Association: Michael Lee is an Old Blundellian (M 1956-60)
Business/Position: Barrister at 20 Essex St
Description: Specialises in International Commercial Law
Region: London
Tel: 020 7842 1200
Mob: 07793 750369
e-mail: mlee@20essexst.com
website: www.20essexst.com
Lett, Brian
Association: Brian Lett is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Barrister
Description: n/a
Region: Somerset
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
Maryniak, Andrew
Association: Andrew Maryniak is an Old Blundellian (OH 1978-83)
Business/Position: Barrister at 1 Gray's Inn Square
Description: Specialises in Criminal Law and Programme Leader for Bar Professional Training Course at BPP Law School, London
Region: Devon
Mob: 07830 321824
e-mail: andrew.maryniak@virgin.net
website: www.1gis.co.uk
Maynard, Andrew
Association: Andrew Maynard is an Old Blundellian (W 1958-62)
Business/Position: Director/Partner at Michelmores
Description: n/a
Region: Devon
Tel: 01392 688688
Mob: 07900 934044
e-mail: andrew.maynard@michelmores.com
website: www.michelmores.com
Rees, James
Association: James Rees is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Barrister at Southernhay Chambers
Description: General Litigator with particular experience in disputes relating to Land & Families
Region: Exeter
e-mail: j.rees@southernhaychambers.co.uk
website: www.southernhaychambers.co.uk
Semmens, Victor
Association: Victor Semmens is an Old Blundellian (NC 1955-59)
Business/Position: Commercial Solicitor (Chairman) - Retired
Description: n/a
Region: Nottingham
Tel: 0115 9475827
Mob: 07831 267258
e-mail: vvsemmens@aol.com
Stimson, Giles
Association: Giles Stimson is an Old Blundellian (NC 1960-65)
Business/Position: Solicitor - Retired
Description: Has a wide experience in contentious and non-contentious matters in both the private and public sectors, latterly in financial services regulation.
Region: Hampshire
e-mail: giles@stimson.go-plus.net
Leisure, Travel, Lifestyle & Attractions
Shepherd, Michael
Association: Michael Shepherd is an Old Blundellian (FH 1966-72)
Business/Position: International Hotel – General Manager for 35 years
Description: Global Hotel Development, and extensive international operational experience within the luxury market.
Region: London
e-mail: michael.shepherd@hilton.com
website: www.hilton.com
Management Consultancy
Jacques, Anthony
Association: Anthony Jacques is an Old Blundellian (SH 1962-66)
Business/Position: Owner of Anthony Jacques Independent Career Consultant
Description: Specialises in Management Consultancy and Insurance
Region: Surrey
Tel: 01483 823765
Mob: 07801 665318
e-mail: ajacques449@btinternet.com
website: www.anthonyjacques.co.uk
Russell, Graham
Association: Graham Russell is an Old Blundellian (FH 1959-64)
Business/Position: Founder of Trupoint Advisors
Description: University lecturer on Green & Sustainable Businesses and also specialises in Environmental services in the USA. Is willing to help OBs traveling or relocating in his area.
Region: United States
Tel: +1 (030) 520-6607
Mob: +1 (303) 520-6607
e-mail: graham@trupointadvisors.com
website: www.trupointadvisers.com
Manufacturing / Industry
Clark, Ken
Association: Ken Clark is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Managing Director of Protectaseal Ltd
Description: Specialises in Printing Processes, Laminating Technologies and Export Sales & Marketing
Region: Tiverton
e-mail: ken@protectaseal.com
website: www.protectaseal.com
Marketing, Advertising / PR & Publicity
Dixon, Gareth
Association: Gareth Dixon is an Old Blundellian (W 1984-89)
Business/Position: Managing Director & Founder of Rainmaker Consulting Ltd & Pearl Finders Ltd
Description: Specialises in Marketing & Sales for advertising, design, research & PR agencies
Region: London
e-mail: gareth@rain-maker.co.uk
Medicine / Medical Services
Akerman, Harry
Association: Harry Akerman is an Old Blundellian (P 1986-91)
Business/Position: Consultant anaesthetist at University Hospital Southampton
Description: Willing to help with Medical Applications/Statements
Region: Hampshire
Mob: 07779 156332
e-mail: harry@theakermans.com
Ansell, Sarah
Association: Sarah Ansell is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: General Practitioner for the NHS
Description: Programme Director for North Devon General Practitioner Training Scheme
Region: Devon
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
Bazley, Hannah
Association: Hannah Bazley is an Old Blundellian (NC 2000-07)
Business/Position: Dental hygiene and therapy student at King's College Hospital, London
Description: n/a
Region: Devon
Tel: 01392 881949
Mob: 07885 594495
e-mail: hannah.bazley@gmail.com
Cooper, Nick
Association: Nick Cooper is an Old Blundellian (P 1963-67)
Business/Position: Consultant Occupational & Environmental Medicine in the Armed Forces
Description: Also willing to give advice on the Armed Forces
Region: Wiltshire
Mob: 07500 548479
e-mail: nickcooper@doctors.org.uk
Fleming, Mark
Association: Mark Fleming is an Old Blundellian (FH 1987-92)
Business/Position: General Practitioner (Partner) for the NHS
Description: Specialises in Dermatology and also involved in undergraduate training
Region: Norfolk
e-mail: flem@doctors.org.uk
Hamilton, Alexander
Association: Alexander Hamilton is an Old Blundellian (FH 1996-2001)
Business/Position: Registrar at Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust
Description: Training to be a Consultant Nephrologist and General Physician
Region: Devon
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
Pether, John
Association: John Pether is a parent of a former pupil
Business/Position: Consultant Microbiologist - Retired
Description: n/a
Region: Somerset
Tel: 01823 451311
e-mail: pethdrj@aol.com
Pridgeon, Simon
Association: Simon Pridgeon is an Old Blundellian (W 1988-93)
Business/Position: Surgeon in Urology for the NHS
Description: n/a
Region: Newcastle
Mob: 07881 827863
e-mail: pridge40@hotmail.com
Swarbrick, Richard
Association: Richard Swarbrick is an Old Blundellian (M 1977-82)
Business/Position: Head of Armed Forces Health for the NHS Commissioning Board
Description: NHS Healthcare Management specialising in Armed Forces Health
Region: Devon
Tel: 01884 251546
Mob: 07808 763934
e-mail: richardjswarbrick@yahoo.co.uk
Unsworth-White, Jonathan
Association: Jonathan Unsworth-White is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Consultant - Cardiothoracic Surgeon for the NHS in Plymouth
Description: Also a medical academic tutor at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry
Region: Devon
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
Unsworth-White, Sarah
Association: Sarah Unsworth-White is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Consultant - Anaesthetist for the NHS in Plymouth
Description: Also a medical academic tutor at Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry
Region: Devon
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
Whitehead, Martyn
Association: Martyn Whitehead is an Old Blundellian (M 1977-83) and a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Veterinary Surgeon at the Vale Vet Centre
Description: n/a
Region: Devon
Tel: 01884 32228
e-mail: mwhitehead37@btinternet.com
Oil / Gas / Mining / Energy
Kemp, Lester
Association: Lester Kemp is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Managing Director of Arabian Nubian Resources
Description: Also specialises in Geology and Mineral Exploration, particularly with gold, base metals and industrial minerals and Capital Raising (Resource Funds/Private Investors)
Region: Devon
Tel: 01884 821211
Mob: 07810 020471
e-mail: lesterkemp@me.com
Property
Barker, Chris
Association: Chris Barker is an Old Blundellian (P 1960-64)
Business/Position: Chartered Surveyor (retired).
Description: Specialised in valuation of property both in private practice & government service.
Region: Surrey
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
March, Ronald
Association: Ronald March is an Old Blundellian (NC 1955-60)
Business/Position: Worked for Newton Housing Association (retired).
Description: n/a
Region: Kent
email: r.s.march@btinternet.com
Vause, Rick
Association: Rick Vause is a parent of a current pupil
Business/Position: Director of Vause Cribb & Co.
Description: Chartered Surveyor dealing with commercial agency, investment and development.
Region: Devon
Mob: 07958 340865
email: rick@vausecribb.co.uk
website:
www.vausecribb.co.uk
Recruitment
Munro, James
Association: James Munro is an Old Blundellian (SH 1981-86)
Business/Position: Director/Owner of Appointments Bi-Language - Specialist Recruiters
Description: Recruitment specialising in finding jobs for school leavers, graduates and experienced professionals in international businesses
Region: London
Mob: 07734 906007
e-mail: james@ablrecruitment.com
website: www.appointmentsbilanguage.co.uk
Wilcox, Andy
Association: Andy Wilcox is an Old Blundellian (W 1993-98)
Business/Position: Group Resourcing Manager at EurotaxGlass's
Description: Recruitment specialist
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
website: www.eurotaxglass.com
Religious / Voluntary / Charity & Community Services
Hutchison, John
Association: John Hutchison is an Old Blundellian (P 1966-70)
Business/Position: Chaplain at Sheffield Children's Hospital
Description: n/a
Region: Sheffield
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
Retail
Siddiqui, Yunib
Association: Yunib Siddiqui is an Old Blundellian (SH 1982-87)
Business/Position: CEO/Owner of Jones the Grocer in the UAE
Description: Is willing to help OBs traveling or relocating in his area.
Region: United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Contact via Development Office:
Tel: 01884 243262; e-mail: devoffice@blundells.org
website: www.jonesthegrocer.com
Thomas, Andrew
Association: Andrew Thomas is an Old Blundellian (W 1964-67)
Business/Position: Senior Consultant at Bearn's Hampton and Littlewood
Description: Specialising in Fine Art Auctioneering
Region: Exeter
Tel: 01392 413100
e-mail: kthome@bhol.co.uk
website: www.bhandl.co.uk
Career Mentoring Disclaimer
"Blundell's School is not responsible for the advice, guidance or support offered by a third party, nor for any services provided by a third party. The links featured on this career advice site are for information only and are not an endorsement of any of the businesses, individuals or offers featured by those individuals. Blundell’s School does not assume any liability for good or services provided by third parties. Please enjoy responsibly.”
If you are part of the Blundell’s Community and wish to take part in the Blundell’s Career Mentoring Programme please contact the Development Office at devoffice@blundells.org or call 01884 243262 for more information.
However, we are committed to providing an informative and quality Directory and will endeavour to amend any information as soon as possible, once informed of any errors.