Former financier created a new company to support small business owners in the Chilterns.

James Ross from Chalfont St Giles spent 20 years working as an investment banker for the banking giants HSBC, Credit Suisse and Morgan Stanley.

However, a ‘eureka moment’ made him ditch the world of finance and set up his new business support venture, and open the North Chilterns office of The Alternative Board (TAB).

First, the father-of two took a career break and set up a property company.

He explained when he realised banking was no longer for him: “I was chairing a meeting; it was one of those major meetings with a group of senior level people having a really in-depth discussion about a new trading system.

“I thought – is this what it’s all about?

"Is this what I’m missing picking the girls up from school for or watching them play netball? And that was it, I decided it was no longer for me.”

The new start is a 'win-win' situation for him. 

READ MORE: Bucks Council takes enforcement action in Little Chalfont

He explained: “Working in banking I was a small cog in a big wheel.

“When I set up the property business I missed having others to collaborate and share best practice with. 

As part of the TAB franchise, he will run monthly meetings with small groups and deliver one to one coaching to them in between.

More information is at www.thealternativeboard.co.uk/north-chilterns.