Graham at the age of 16 graduated from secondary school with a 1st in woodwork. Then followed through a full apprenticeship under the watchful eye of H Greenaway and Sons of Exmouth Devon, a traditional building firm encompassing multi trade skills within the construction industry. On completing the required city and guilds and other craft certificates, Graham took a career change working as a Crown servant H.M. Police Force. Even though gaining skills and disciplines of police life held him in good stead it was the eventual creative instinct that brought him back to the construction industry. In 1984 he moved to London to head up the maintenance team at Lee Abbey International students Club. There he was able to use his multi-skilled talent in repair, restoration and development of 120 bed student accommodation. In demand, a call came to return to Devon in 1987, which saw the complete accommodation development at Burstone Manor, Bow near Crediton.
