Mr Knowles is a qualified accountant (ACCA) and holds a Bachelor in Accounting and Finance from the University of Exeter and a Master of Business Administration in Global Business from Oxford Brookes University.

Mr Knowles has extensive experience in the natural resources sector, in particular in the Exploration, Evaluation and Development stages, having previously held Financial Controller and Chief Financial Officer roles in Firestone Diamonds Plc and Stellar Diamonds Plc respectively.  Philip is also Chief Financial Officer of Rome Resources Plc, an AIM listed explorer operating in the DRC and operates in a consultancy role with Silvertree Partners LLP, who provide finance function support services in the Resources sector.