Chris met Michael in one of Brightons
public houses in 1977 and struck up an immediate friendship at the time Michael was working in the Harrys Bar of the Imperial hotel and Chris became very friendly with many of the staff at the Imperial. Chris was working for Southern Rentals a television repair company repairing tvs and working in the shop in Horsham.

In 1979
Chris and Michael purchased their first flat in Hove at a cost of £14,500 they stayed in this flat for two years before moving to Patcham where they purchased a 3 bedroom house and Chris spent much time renovating this property. Chris preferred Patcham as it was quieter and just outside the hub of Brighton in 1984 a decision was made to sell the house and it was purchased by Katie Prices brother. Chris and Michael made the decision to purchase a guest house and the Lichfield House in Brighton was bought this was the first business venture together. Michael had been promoted to General Manager of the Imperial so a decision was made that Chris would run the guest house and Michael would remain at the Imperial. Chris spent many many hours at the Imperial also helping out on numerous maintenance issues. Chris ran the guest house for three years on his own with the help of one member of staff. Together they made the decision to start up a hotel booking agency and consultancy and this produced enough turnover for Michael to resign his position in 1987 and Join Chris at the guest house. Unfortunately the pressure of the guest house placed pressure on their relationship and they made a decision to split up but as the businesses were successful and up and running they would continue in partnership as business partners. In 1990 they purchased the Iron Duke Public House and Hotel in Hove and ran it successfully for 9 years although Chris did not like the public house side and only pulled one pint for a customer in all these years’ he was a valuable asset in the background with the hotel side. Now they were running 3 Businesses in Brighton and working as consultants for another 6 struggling hotels. In 1998 a decision was made to consolidate time and effort purchased the Dorset House Hotel in Ryde which he has been in partnership for the last 22 years and is now one of Rydes established Hotels..The hotel was very run down when it was purchased and over the years Chris carried out internal repairs and upgraded the rooms, due to Chris failing health a decision was made in 2015 for Chris to retire but remain as a silent partner and conversations occurred over the telephone rather than in person. 43 years later they have remained in partnership very often disagreeing on issues but the partnership survived. Also very good friends.