From 1972, Mr Croskell studied textiles at Coventry Technical College and in 1978 graduated in textile technology and science from Bradford University. He was awarded the Associateship of The Textile Institute and became a chartered textile technologist in 1980 and in 1997 was awarded the Fellowship of The Textile Institute. He began as laboratory chemist and colourist for Courtaulds Ltd; attached to the Teklan Plant, afterwards holding the post of Technical Officer for Courtaulds Ltd; Northern Spinning Division at their Central Technology Department in Oldham, Lancashire.

From 1981 he was employed by Perivale Gutermann Ltd as technical supervisor of production. In 1986 Robert joined SGS as principal technologist and has spent much time involved in the study of textiles subjects and the effects of detergents on textile structures. He has held various roles at SGS and in 2002 took over as senior consultant of textile services globally and amongst other duties, acted as general technical consultant for the Group worldwide.

He lectured at the London Institute for short courses and at degree level and also for the Licentiateship of the Textile Institute (LTI).

Robert has prepared reports for hundreds of actions and has given oral evidence as expert witness on more than 40 occasions.

Most recently, he has become qualified as a lead auditor for ISO 17025 laboratory technical audits and for health & safety at work and corporate responsibility. Additionally he audits production factories against retailers’ own audit schedules to ensure they meet with their customers’ high standards.