Joe is a lifelong resident of Cockermouth and is well known as a local business owner having started his first business in the town at the age of 17. It is probably as a landlord that he is best known to most. Joe was the landlord first at The Bush on Main Street in 2009, and then The Swan on Kirkgate, from 2016 until his retirement earlier this year. He is keen to ensure that the Kirkgate Arts and Heritage maintains its position at the heart of the community.