Denise worked for Marks and Spencer, joining the graduate trainee programme at their Head Office in London. This led to her appointment as Procurement manager within the Food Division, securing contracts across all stores.

She was recruited by London Borough of Havering to set up the finance system and infrastructure at the Havering Sixth Form College, ready for its opening in 1991. Staying within Havering she moved to a secondary school and as Bursar took them through the Academisation process as one of the first converters. During this time Denise studied for the certificate in School Business Management (CSBM).

Whilst at this school, Denise was seconded to another secondary school, for one year, to review financial systems, processes and procedures reporting directly to London Borough of Havering.