Paul Buck

Gas engineer with over 40 years experience.

I have also been a part time property developer, picking up skills in a variety of subjects, carrying out every task apart from major electrical works, plastering, and advanced level carpentry.

Skilled in pipework installation, I have been designing and installing central heating systems for more than four decades now.

I have a passion for tidiness in the workspace, am a fast learner, and feel my age is an asset rather than a hindrance. I still have a lot to give and am more than reasonably fit for my age

I joined British Gas from school in 1975 and, following a three year apprenticeship, qualified as a gas engineer in 1978. After eight years with British Gas I left to work for myself and spent the next forty years as a self employed gas engineer, mostly involved in the design and installation of central heating systems in domestic premises but also installing, repairing and servicing other appliances, including gas fires, cookers, water heaters and warm air units. At one point my remit also included the full design and installation of complete house hot and cold water and waste systems, and this is also what I'm doing again now. In my twenties I had a brief period running my own painting and decorating company, refurbishing the exteriors and stairwells of blocks of flats in Tooting and Richmond, South London. Over the years I have bought and sold a number of properties, carrying out every task necessary, including basic electrics, patch plastering, minor building works, all plumbing, tiling, unit installation and decoration but excluding major electrics, plastering, roofing and window installation. In 2014 circumstances arose that caused me to rethink my life and I chose to leave the gas industry. I like to treat people as I would like to be treated myself and consider myself kind, helpful and easy-going. My lifetime of working in customer/tenanted properties has left me with a natural rapport with the public. I am extremely fit for my age and believe I will be an asset to any company I join.

• I love football (Millwall, I know that's a contradiction in terms, but...), music and walking my three lovely dogs. I would like to say travel too, but no one will look after our dogs for us !