He founded Nigel Burgess Yacht Brokers, a company which has remained one of the leading yachtbrokers in the world, and was responsible for the sale of Saddam Hussein's yacht in 2008.Born in 1942 in Cheam, Surrey he was educated at Homefield Preparatory School and Thames Nautical Training College.
He served with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) gaining his master's ticket.