James has over 40 years experience in the construction industry in the UK and abroad and was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) by her Royal Highness the Queen for services to the construction industry in 2008.

James established his own company Soundtex in 1972 specializing in the development of suspended ceilings and partitions contracting large scale government and private projects including Scottish Power HQ, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh Airport and multiple other government projects.

James is now semi-retired consulting on selected projects in and around his home town of Glasgow, UK.