Case studies - Tim Campbell
In 2005, Sir Alan Sugar selected former London Underground employee Tim Campbell as his first apprentice. Tim has since left Amstrad and founded The Bright Ideas Trust which supports young entrepreneurs.
What was the most valuable lesson you learnt from your school days?
The importance of independent thinking. Although I had to learn just like everyone else I had a really great teacher who always got me to focus on my personal view on things and how standing out from the crowd is a good thing.
When you were at school did you know what you wanted to do for a career?
I had no idea what I wanted to do when I left school. My mum just wanted me to get as many qualifications as possible so that I could choose a path when I was ready. I always envied people who knew that they wanted to be a doctor, lawyer or accountant because if I had that focus I would have achieved it. However being open to as many possible opportunities as possible has served me well without being restricted.
What was your first job and how did you find out you had a talent for business?
My first job was actually cleaning cookers in a second hand shop in east London. It was the only way I could get extra pocket money. It was great at teaching me the power of hard work and how beneficial marigolds were! I found I had a talent for business when I went for work experience at school and I received a £50 bonus from the owner of the shipping company I worked for. Not only did I love the look of pink money but it gave me the confidence to explore other business opportunities.
What made you enter yourself for the Apprentice, why did it appeal to you?
I entered the Apprentice to work for Sir Alan whom I saw as a brilliant British businessman who could develop my enthusiasm and determination. The money was attractive but it was more about what I could learn and the contacts I could make as well as proving I had talents that could be beneficial to a company.
While working with Sir Alan Sugar, what did you learn?
Whilst at Amstrad I learnt how to start a business, how to manage, motivate and work with a team and that knowledge is the key to success.
You have set up The Bright Ideas Trust, can you tell us more about what made you set this up?
The Bright Ideas Trust is a charity established to help young people aged between 16 - 30 from disadvantaged backgrounds who have a passion or idea they want to turn into a business. I set this up because people with talents and ideas were telling me that it was difficult to get access to real world information about how to start a business and where to get financial support from. I believe everyone no matter where you are from or where you live should have the opportunity to learn about business and be supported.
Why do you think young people should be supported with their business ideas?
I think that the passion and determination amongst the next generation has to be supported if we are to be the global force we will need to be in order to compete in the global economy. Young people have more ideas than most as they are not restricted by fear or responsibilities. I know a lot of older people who should never be let loose with a business so age definitely isn’t a factor to access potential success.
How do you think schools can help young people to develop their ideas and talents and have the confidence to take them forward?
I think school can be a great environment to learn in a safe way how to take risks and how research can inform decisions. Denefield School and schemes like Young Enterprise are brilliant examples of how ideas can be developed in school. Schools need to engage with businesses and entrepreneurs to inspire young people on how they can develop their ideas and encourage and support students who show potential.
What one piece of advice would you offer the young social entrepreneurs, taking part in the Ideas that can change the world project?
As well as wanting to change the world they have to think about how the idea will run as a business because as sad as it is everything that will change the world needs money in order to do so. Social enterprise is the perfect blend of ideas that will impact individuals, communities and the environment but people working on them have to be supported too.
What do you think about the Shine National Schools Festival? Is it something you would have taken part in if it was running in your school?
A fantastic idea because everyone has a talent and this has to be encouraged.
Can you give us a recent example of a great business idea from a young person that your foundation has supported?
I have recently supported Adam Scott who came up with the idea of recycling glass bottles to make environmentally friendly products for the home. The products range from chopping boards to wine bottles which he makes from glasses he collects in his local area. He then sells the products for a profit. Simple, effective and profitable.
