Phil Barker has considerable experience in both software engineering and in finance and investment having taught courses at the National Alvey HCI centre, a government funded organisation transferring university based research into commercial applications. Prior to this he lectured at Heriot-Watt University where he taught undergraduate and postgraduate courses in computer science and accountancy. His research focused on neural networks and cognitive modelling involving the use of software simulations. He is currently an independent consultant to the financial and investment sector.