Each week we dig into the memory bank of the City’s great and good. Today, we speak to businessman Tim Campbell MBE, the founder of Bright Ideas Trust and the first ever winner of The Apprentice, about his unique career journey

What was your first job?

My first job was working in a second-hand shop in East London. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me the value of hard work and earning my own money.

What was your first role in the City?

I was a Tube station assistant in the City before joining the Transport for London graduate scheme in St James’s Park. We are so blessed in London with such a great public transport system. In the City, you get such a hodgepodge of customers. This taught me – very quickly – about the importance of customer service, resilience and how people are motivated.

When did you know you wanted to build a career in business?

To be honest, after I won The Apprentice nearly 20 years ago! It opened my eyes to the vast possibilities. Working for AMS (Amstrad) and seeing how strategy transforms ideas into reality really ignited a spark in me. Before that, I was focused on public service but mentors like Lord Sugar and Rosaleen Blair showed me the impact business has.

What’s one thing you love about the City of London?

The energy is infectious.........

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