Nigel Pilkington read Mathematics at Cambridge University. In the early part of his career he designed systems for the Manufacturing and Distribution industries. He subsequently managed large IT departments for major British retailers including J Sainsbury and British Home Stores. In 2001 he founded Enabler UK and subsequently became Chairman of Enabler a company dedicated to providing systems to retailers.

He is Chairman of the Trustees of The Levantine Foundation a charity dedicated preserving the heritage of the Middle East. He is an enthusiast for the Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages and Renaissance and is a keen cricket follower