Nigel began his career as an order clerk just as Biddles entered the book manufacturing market (prior to that they had predominantly been a jobbing printer). He studied at the Guildford College of Print for three years to learn the book printing trade and in 1978 became an account controller.

Following the purchase of Rawlinsons, Nigel transferred from the Guildford site to Norfolk as production controller in 1982 and shortly afterwards married his wife, Sue, who was also working for Biddles in King's Lynn.

As the site expanded Nigel's responsibilities increased and he was part of the production planning team before moving to customer services.