Derek Colegrave spent the first thirty years of his career as a commercial insurance broker, eventually becoming a Chartered Broker who specialised in the construction industry. He later formed a painting and decorating company which has operated for around twenty years. He was a volunteer instructor under the Cycling Awareness Scheme at two local schools and he was also the Akela at a Cub Pack for twelve years. Latterly, he has been involved with the Thames Valley Police Community Speedwatch team near his home in Tylers Green. He became Treasurer on 7th November 2023.