After graduating from Oxford with a law degree and qualifying as a Solicitor, John joined T.G. Pollard and Co, Wells in 1977. He became a Senior Partner in 2002 until that firm merged with Chubb Bulleid, Wells in 2015. John also served as the President of Wells Rotary Club and a Parish Councillor. He has helped to set up various trusts, ran the Pilton Flower Show and assisted in the early days of the Wells Food Festival and Wells Art Contemporary.