To start his working career, he apprenticed with a Dundee jute company. He father insisted he take up accounting as his profession. In 1936, he became a chartered accountant. After the war, he formed a longstanding relationship with
Hambros Bank, and in particular with
Jocelyn Hambro, and was in line to become chairman, but he resigned abruptly in October 1972 when his choice for his replacement as managing director was rejected by
Michael Heseltine. He remained highly sought after; he gave up his last public company directorship at the age of 85. ==Politics==