Tony Carroll has been involved in development and regeneration since the 1980's, first in architecture, then construction and latterly as the developer, promoter and investor.

His passion is for projects that focus on the regeneration potential possessed by buildings, neighbourhoods and the people who use them, especially where they engage both community and business.

As a designer, developer and deal maker Tony has been instrumental in creating new neighbourhoods and places in neglected and forgotten districts, paving the way for others to have the confidence to invest in such areas as those now known as Devonshire Green, the Cultural Industries Quarter and St Vincent's in Sheffield.

He is responsible for six major city centre mixed use and student accommodation schemes which provide modern and safe homes for over a thousand students and was the catalyst for the project that became the mixed use West One development.

Tony has been a key player in providing affordable new housing in former mining and industrial communities throughout Yorkshire and the Midlands while also preserving architectural gems such as the historic house and gardens of Genefax House and the world's largest typeworks at Stephenson Blake.

An interest in quality food and drink saw him create the Devonshire Cat pub. After extensive research in British and European breweries, bars and restaurants the largest and most varied selection of beers ever seen in the UK was assembled with product from every corner of the planet. The deliberately open style and relaxed atmosphere of the Devonshire Cat successfully demystified quality beer with innovations such as beer menus, vegetarian drinks and a bar level glazed mini cellar.

Now with Think Zero he is bringing together the usually disconnected participants in projects to create the sustainable supply chains which lead to sustainable, economic and efficient buildings.

Think Zero's key priority is to improve the profitability and efficiency of contractors, subcontractors and suppliers by working in direct partnership with major public procurement bodies such as £1.2bn YORbuild framework where Tony heads up the YORbuild Supply Chain Engagement Programme.

In 2010 Tony founded the Garden Gorilla Community Interest Company, a social enterprise that creates community allotments in unexpected places such as street corners, schools, waste land, building sites and car parks. With its simple proposition and strong image Garden Gorilla brings together community, business, educators and health professionals to show that personal food production and enjoying a healthy food lifestyle is something that everyone can do no matter where they live or work.

Lord Wei recently invited Tony to assist in writing the guide to implementing the Big Society.

Away from work Tony is involved with fund raising for Sheffield's Hospital Broadcasting Service radio station, is a private pilot and he plays the guitar badly despite years of practice.