Liam obtained a Law Degree (LLB) from the University of London.  He went on to receive an MSc in Social Policy, Planning and Administration from the University of Ulster.  Having joined the Northern Ireland Civil Service in 1973, he established NI-CO(the public sector marketing company) in 1990.  In 1997 he joined the Industrial Development Board as Executive Director, responsible for attracting foreign direct investment to Northern Ireland.  After a brief period on secondment to set up the body, Liam was appointed CEO of InterTradeIreland in 2000.

Liam is on the Council of the University of Ulster  and is an Advisor to the National Competitiveness Council Dublin.  He sits on the Northern Committee for the Sales Institute of Ireland, is a member of the Institute of Directors  adn is on the Board of the Institute of British Irish Studies at University College Dublin. Liam is also on the Board of several charitable trusts including Caring Breaks, The Gerry Rogan Initiative Trust  and the Drake Music Project.