Colin was born into a respectable middle-class family in a typical English country town. His father, a firm believer in the power of education for a successful career, never tired of emphasizing its importance. With a natural aptitude for figures and mental arithmetic, Colin steadily advanced through a series of increasingly responsible financial positions without the need for professional qualifications. However, one misstep from the straight and narrow path led to a dramatic change in his circumstances.

Supported by his wife and parents during this difficult time, Colin faced a significant challenge: his lack of a professional qualification threatened to bar him from a senior position well within his capabilities. Determined to overcome this obstacle, he decided to study and become a Chartered Accountant. But his attraction to his teacher turned out to be far from the happy affair he had envisioned. Colin soon discovered that a downward career path is often easier to follow than an upward one.