Phil was formerly Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, which is best known for its campaigns against litter, often with particular reference to fast food outlets, and for setting the standards for Blue Flag Beaches and Green Flag parks.

He was founder director of RENEW North West, which became Places Matter!, the architecture and built environment centre for the North West. From 1997-2002 Phil was director at Groundwork UK, initially as North West Regional Director and latterly as national Director of Corporate Strategy