Natural Science Consultants

After a career devoted to synthetic materials a switch to naturals, in the form of essential oils, might have seemed a strange move but it freed up my head to marvel and enjoy what nature has to offer. I was able to utilise both areas of expertise, as opportunities presented themselves for me to provide both technical support and consultancy services. Technical support and consultancy services are my focus now, along with teaching – as and when.

Fragrance is at the centre of my services; I am not a perfumer but I can assist in many ways eg by developing fragrance pyramids (see ‘An introduction to fragrance’). and providing all that is necessary to support the sale or use of a fragrance – whether natural or synthetic.

For example: allergens – what are or are not allowed in a particular product, which ones are now banned, are any new ones likely to be added to the restricted list? Implementation of the new International Fragrance Association Standards (49th Amendment) for new creations comes into affect in May this year – what does this mean, who will be affected? What about cosmetic regulations post-Brexit?

Compliance can seem like a quagmire but it doesn’t have to be – let’s talk.

And me

A one-time research chemist and materials scientist, I trained as an aromatherapist in 1994. I taught at a number of private schools across the United Kingdom and lectured on aromatherapy programmes at UK universities. I lectured in Japan, South Korea and Iceland. I have also provided a consultancy service to companies and organisations supplying and using essential oils, such as Boots the Chemist. I was one of only twenty experts invited by the Under Secretary of State for Health to serve as members of the Independent Review Panel for the Classification of Borderline Products.

I was Programmes Manager/Director at The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health, a charity set up by the Prince of Wales. I represented the Foundation (and spoke) at a reception held in the Houses of Parliament. I was responsible for the delivery of all the Foundation’s programmes across all healthcare professions. I oversaw the creation of the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council, a voluntary self-regulatory body recognised by the Department of Health, which also provided the necessary funding.

I was founding Co-chair and subsequently the first elected Chair of The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists.

More recently, I was Technical & Compliance Director for a company supplying essential oils and fragrances to both therapists and high-end cosmetics companies, such as Elemis. I oversaw the creation of all technical documentation, along with compliance with both national and international regulations.