After attaining a degree in Politics and Economics from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Nick started his professional career as a private client stockbroker with Wise Speke then, in 1990 and after gaining the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) Diploma, became a member of the London Stock Exchange. Nick developed his career, in providing investment advice to a wide range of client types, by working for two international banks, Merrill Lynch and UBS before becoming Regional Director of Rathbones heading up its Newcastle upon Tyne office. He retired from his last full time role in 2024 although he still returns to Rathbones, from time to time, as he is involved in training the next generation of Financial Services professionals.

Nick was a member of the CISI Board from 2009 to 2021 and has chaired both its Investment and Membership Committees, as well as being a Board appointee on the CISI Educational Trust. Other voluntary positions currently held by Nick include being Chair of the Board at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle, Chair of the Newcastle University Retirement Benefits Fund, Deputy Chair of the University's Development Trust and a Member of University Court.

Nick was honoured to be commissioned, Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear in 2020 and has enjoyed the charitable and civic role this allows him to undertake in his regional community. Nick was awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024, for services to the community of Tyne and Wear.