In 1982, Sir Nigel founded Williams Holdings, a company which went on to become one of the largest industrial holding companies in the United Kingdom until its demerger in November 2000, creating Chubb plc and Kidde plc. He was the non-executive Chairman of Kidde plc until December 2003. He has been Chairman of some of the largest companies in the UK, including Invensys, Pilkington, Alliance Boots, Heathrow (formerly BAA) and the UK’s largest car retailer, Pendragon plc, the company he founded with one dealership in 1982. He was a Director of Barclays plc for 13 years, latterly as Deputy Chairman. He is currently Chairman of BBA Aviation, Meggitt plc and the UK’s Business Growth Fund. Sir Nigel is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Sir Nigel was knighted in 1996 for services to manufacturing. He has a long record as an active angel investor in small and medium-sized businesses. While Sir Nigel is a shareholder and option holder in the Company and has served on the Board for some years, based on his extensive experience, specialised industry knowledge and personal qualities, the Board consider him to be independent. He has been a non-executive Director of the Company since 1 September 2011.  

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