Following qualification as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte Haskins & Sells, Howard set up Cavendish Corporate Finance LLP in 1988 and is currently the Senior Partner.

Cavendish rapidly became the UK’s leading specialist sell-side adviser to owners of mid-market businesses, and has now acted in over 700 transactions.

In December 2018, Cavendish merged with finnCap Group plc, which was listed on the London AIM market.

Following the Group’s merger with Cenkos in September 2023, the new firm is listed as Cavendish Financial plc.

In September 2021 Howard became Non-Executive Chairman of Manolete Partners plc.

In September 2013 Howard was elevated to the Peerage as Lord Leigh of Hurley and in 2024 he accompanied the Prime Minister on the trade mission to China. He speaks frequently in the Lords on matters relating to the Jewish community, Israel, international affairs, business, the economy, tax and trade, and has chaired the Finance Bill Select Committee.

Howard is Chairman of the Jerusalem Foundation UK, President (formerly Chairman) of Westminster Synagogue, President of the Institute of Jewish Policy Research, and a member of the Advisory Board of Conservative Friends of Israel.

A long-time supporter of WaterAid, he frequently runs races in aid of the charity. He is a Trustee of the Henley Festival and a Liveryman.

He has been a Treasurer of the Conservative Party since 2000, and Senior Treasurer since 2010.