After graduating from Reading University in 1994 James began his career with MEPC PLC working in the investment acquisition and development departments where he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor before moving to Catalyst Capital in 1998 as an investment manager. Notably during his time at MEPC, James worked on the development and leasing aspects of the Bluewater Shopping Center in Kent, England.

In 2000 he moved to Europa Capital Partners where he was responsible for retail and industrial portfolio transactions mainly in the UK, Germany and Poland. His experience in these positions included working on the development and leasing of shopping centres in the UK, Poland and Spain.

After Europa, James was a co-founder of Remor Properties where he put together a retail investment and development portfolio including the acquisition of secondary retail centres. Having previously spent 6 months researching the Brazil property market, James moved to Sao Paulo permanently in August 2007 when SB ManCo was co-founded by Robert, Tim and himself. He is based full time in São Paulo