He grew up and was schooled in Chorleywood. His first job was in the Police force before a complete career change saw him pursue a 12-year acting career. This ended in 1978 when Graham formed Simply Travel, a holiday company which grew rapidly to carry more than 50,000 clients. He sold the business to Thomson Holidays in 1999.

Graham joined the Watford FC board in November 1999. He became Executive Chairman of Watford FC and Watford Leisure plc - the football club's AIM-listed parent company - in September 2002.