James runs his family business in the Midlands, centred on Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire: eastnorcastle.com In his earlier career, he qualified as a lawyer, after graduating with a degree in Law from Trinity College, Cambridge. He worked in the Middle East Department for Kleinwort Benson and then as a recruitment consultant.

He was appointed a CBE in the 2009 New Year’s Honours List for services to the built heritage and currently serves on the DCMS Tourism Advisory Council.