Christopher Fenwick MBE was born and raised in Newcastle where he became a director of the family business of Fenwick, a leading group of department stores. With his brothers and colleagues, he worked to rebuild both the original stores and form a national retail concern. However, before starting his business career, he'd already developed a thirst for adventure while doing National Service in 40 Commando Royal Marines, seeing active service in the Cyprus Emergency and Suez landings, in advance of attending Cambridge University. Now retired, he lives in Pangbourne with his wife Paula and travels frequently back to the North East to make use of his Newcastle United FC season ticket and on other matters.