Started in the independent retail sector, working at Eat the Beat record shop in Bristol as head buyer and shop manager.  He was at Eat the Beat for over five years.  At the same time James studied at Bath Spa University, achieving a degree in Creative Music Technology.  After completing his studies, James worked as a label manager at Indie Mobile for 2 years, where he   was responsible for the implementation and running of  mobile marketing campaigns, working with over 200 rights holders and distributing their mobile content across 23 territories to over 150 outlets. Labels included XL/Beggars, Cooking Vinyl, Full Cycle, Ninja Tune/Big Dada, and Absolution.  In 2007 James moved to Absolute Marketing and Distribution Ltd  – a labels services business.  Taking on and developing a Senior Label Management role within the business, James is responsible for looking after the marketing and promotional campaigns for Lethal Bizzle, Beverley Knight, Orbital, DJ Ironik, Lisa Hannigan, Aswad, Ghetts, Jay Sean, DJ Krust, High Rankin/Suicide Dub, McFly, The Bluetones, Crystal Fighters, Darren Hayes, Zarif, Younger Brother/Twisted Records, Mica Paris, High Noon Records, Wet Wet Wet, Izzi Dunn, Mamas Gun, Ska Cubano and The Paddingtons, to name a few!