After leaving the Armed Forces, Gary worked freelance in a variety of industries, including petrochemical, pharmaceutical, event management and construction.

In the early 1990s, he joined the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and was part of the team that set up humanitarian aid logistics in war-torn former Yugoslavia.

1994 saw Gary join forces with Mark Dobson to create Wilson James Ltd, to provide business support services (construction logistics, construction materials, consolidation centres, security, FM) to many blue-chip clients including NGO’s. 

Wilson James now employs over 2,000 people and has offices in Westcliff, London, Heathrow, Bourne End, Manchester.  In March 2006, Wilson James launched the first dedicated construction materials consolidation centre for London construction projects. 

In December 2004 Gary was elected Chairman of Thames Gateway South Essex Partnership.

In 2002, Gary completed his Masters Degree in Business Administration at APU.