Neil Hamilton                                                         

As well as his speaking, writing and media-related work, Neil is Chairman of Sheila Childs Recruitment, a company which specialises in senior secretary and PA placements and their offices just happen to be situated in Soho.   So - ho - if you need a first class secretary or PA, or if you are one and would like to explore the possibilities of moving up or along, do contact the company at 12 Ganton Street, London W1F 7QS  -Tel: 0207 437 3111 -  cvs@sheilachilds.co.uk  or have a look at their website: www.sheilachilds.co.uk

Here is Neil's brief CV:

From 1983-97 Neil Hamilton was one of Britain's best known MPs and a Government Minister under Margaret Thatcher and John Major.  Now, as well being an author, broadcaster and media personality, he is Chairman of Sheila Childs Recruitment, a company which specialises in senior secretary and PA placements.     His book, ‘Great Political Eccentrics’ was published in 1999 (now in paperback under the title ‘Politics Strangest Characters’) and bulges with hilarious stories of the colourful characters who made Britain the World's Leading Political Asylum.

Neil Hamilton was The Spectator's Parliamentary Wit of the Year in 1988.  He can make a riotous after dinner speech or deliver a serious lecture in an entertaining way.  However serious the topic he is also guaranteed to entertain.  In great demand as a speaker, he has addressed a huge variety of audiences - from seminars of a dozen to vast conferences of thousands. 

He has written for most British national newspapers and broadcasts frequently on TV and radio.  He has appeared on a huge range of programmes from "Have I got News for You" to "Newsnight", and from "Ali G" to "Question Time".

Known for his controversial views, he is never short of something memorable and amusing to say on all topics.   Since leaving politics, Neil has joined his wife in a new career in the media and entertainment.  As well as numerous television programmes, he has indulged his thespian leanings by starring in Pantomime and The Rocky Horror Show.  He has also featured in advertising campaigns for diverse clients including, Hush Puppies, the London Tourist Board, Warner Music and Directory Enquiries 118 118.

Born in 1949, he studied economics at University College Wales, Aberystwyth and law at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.  He was called to the Bar (Middle Temple) and specialised in tax law.

Before becoming an MP he was European and Parliamentary Affairs Director of the Institute of Directors.  During 14 years in Parliament he had a wide range of responsibilities - mostly in the business and financial field. 

As Corporate affairs Minister at the DTI under Michael Heseltine, he was responsible for the City, the Financial Services Industry, Insurance, Accountancy, Corporate and Commercial Law, Financial Regulation, Fraud and Insider Dealing, Monopolies and Mergers, European Trade Policy etc.

He spearheaded the Government's Deregulation Initiative - his job was to make life hell for the "Sir Humphreys" and Ministers who failed to cut red tape.

He was a member of the European Council of Ministers in Brussels, responsible for all aspects of trade between Britain and Europe.   He also had special responsibility for reconstruction in Eastern Europe and was the UK's delegate to the G7 Conferences.

He was also a Government Whip under Margaret Thatcher and John Major - a practitioner of the black arts fictionalised in Michael Dobbs' best-selling book and TV series, "House of Cards".