On retiring from the sport in 1995, McHugh began a career directing and producing Visual Effects.

After serving 7 years as Animation Director in the games industry at Acclaim, Sony Psynosis and Rage Software, he launched his own VFX company, Carbon Digital.

[1] From an early age, he competed at international level for his country, winning 14 British titles in just 10 years.

Eddie Soens coached Paul throughout his career, seeing him win several British titles.

He represented England in the 1,000 metres match sprint, at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland.