Tim Campbell - Biography

Tim Campbell needs little introduction. He was the first series winner of BBC TV’s “The Apprentice” and was rewarded with the job opportunity of a lifetime … from being a graduate trainee for London Underground, to working for Amstrad alongside Sir Alan Sugar.

When he left Amstrad earlier this year to launch his own business, Sir Alan’s message to Tim was testament to his ability and potential.

“He has been a great asset to the company and I wish him the best of luck for the future. He was the right choice and I will be there to offer any help and guidance should he need it.” He said.

Tim has faced his fair share of challenges along the way, but with his courage and determination to prove, from a very early age, that it is possible to turn them around, he has learnt to relish each one.

Tim was brought up by his Mum in a single parent family, in a deprived area of East London. As a young boy, he struggled at school and subsequently faced expulsion. Whilst this may not be a vastly different challenge than that faced by many young people the UK over, what was different was his attitude towards it and how he turned around what could have been a time where he lost his way into an opportunity to grow.

“Thankfully I had two very strong influencers in my life who mentored me and helped me to turn my struggling into ambition. My Mum and a teacher at school helped me to identify what really fired me up and instilled strong values, an even stronger work ethic and unwavering determination and confidence within me. I’m very grateful to them both and feel really lucky to have had their support.  Not everyone has that guidance, so people lose their way.”

Tim left the education process some years later a very proud man with several GCSEs, A Levels and a degree in Psychology. Not only that, but his sense of achievement gave him the confidence to believe in his own ability and to pursue his ambitions.

He started out as a graduate trainee Station Assistant for London Underground. Seven years later, he left rich with experience and confidence and was well respected as one of the youngest and highest paid middle managers within the company.

With experience in various areas of the business from HR to marketing and planning, Tim, loving a challenge, felt ready for his next one and applied to be part of BBC TV’s “The Apprentice” which offered the winning participant a richly rewarded job at Amstrad working alongside Sir Alan Sugar.  Despite stiff competition and having to impress the boss, Tim won fair and square showing drive, focus, dignity and integrity and was made Project Director of Amstrad’s Health and Beauty Division.

Within 2 years, with his optimistic approach and energetic drive, the Division was established and he had developed and brought to market their first product, securing orders from Harrods and Argos, who became key retail partners.

It was this entrepreneurial spirit that has driven him to create 2 new ventures this year and to set up his own business.  Tim said: “I wanted to put into action the things I have learnt working closely with Sir Alan and the great team at Amstrad and the opportunity to help others on a grand scale was too compelling.”

Tim has founded the Bright Ideas Trust, a social enterprise to encourage young budding entrepreneurs to start business ventures, by giving them greater access to start-up finance and business mentors and advisors. The Bright Ideas Trust has already generated much excitement and interest from business and innovative young entrepreneurs alike, not to mention both Government backing and praise from senior MPs across all political parties.

His second venture is an exclusive male grooming company which draws on Tim’s experience running Amstrad’s Health and Beauty Division.  The company will launch a range of grooming products that are stylish and solutions focused, later this year in high end retail outlets across the UK.

Tim is well respected within business. He has shown a talent and ability to actualize his ideas and plans. He has a positive outlook on life and what can be achieved by taking that stance and he wants to make changes. He has spent much time within various communities and institutions, promoting an entrepreneurial culture and motivating others to pursue their dreams.

He is a Child’s Ambassador for London and was appointed by Beverley Hughes, the Children’s Minister, to focus on the particular problems of the capital’s young people. He is also closely involved with the Jack Petchey Foundation, the ACLT, as well as an active supporter of the NSPCC, Learn Direct and Connexions. He is the face of the British Library’s campaign to promote their services or to be ‘the human face of business’ as one broadsheet newspaper referred to it.

“With the right support and partnerships I see no reason why I cannot continue to pass on positive messages and help to others, particularly the next generation. I think we can attain the unthinkable.” He said.

And why not?  He likes a challenge.