Valerie is from the North East originally, went to Manchester University where she gained a BSc in Psychology and then spent 10 years in Bristol where she qualified and worked as an accountant, before coming to Carlisle in 1984.

Valerie is a Chartered Accountant, recently retired from private practice.  Valerie was a tax partner at Dodd & Co Accountants, latterly based at Penrith but prior to that based at Carlisle.

Valerie advised owner managed business on running their businesses, as well as tax planning and accountancy matters.  She also advised individuals on inheritance tax planning, wills and trusts.  Valerie was also the staff partner at Dodd & Co and so had the ultimate responsibility for HR matters.

Valerie is a Council Member of the University of Lancaster and also assists a number of small charitable/ not for profit organisations with their financial matters.