From 1979 until 1981 he worked for Barclays Bank. He was then Private Secretary to the Prime Minister (1981–83), Under Secretary  HM Treasury (1983–87), and Deputy Secretary (1987–93).
He worked for Barclays Bank from 1979 to 1981, followed by positions such as Private Secretary to the Prime Minister (1981–83), Under Secretary of HM Treasury (1983–87), and Deputy Secretary (1987–93).