Simon was born and bred in Derbyshire, and now lives outside Matlock. He first performed at the Pavilion Arts Centre in the 1970s as a member of the Derbyshire Youth Orchestra, and has been involved with music ever since. Simon was chair of the internationally acclaimed orchestra the Academy of St Martin in the Fields for five years, and is a trustee of three other charities. Professionally, Simon is an accountant – having been a partner with Deloitte, before a twenty five year career at Fidelity in a variety of senior roles. Now retired, he pursues a range of interests across classical music and opera, rugby and leading his young grandchildren astray.