GROSSLY UNFAIR THAT WEDGWOOD COLLECTION CAN BE SOLD OFF – I MAY BUY, SAYS CAUDWELL.

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

QUOTES

December 20, 2011.

 DISASTROUS FOR STOKE-ON-TRENT, AND GROSSLY UNFAIR THAT WEDGWOOD COLLECTION CAN BE SOLD OFF – I MAY BUY, SAYS CAUDWELL.

Commenting on the High Court's ruling that the historic Wedgwood pottery collection can be sold to help pay off a £134 million pension fund deficit, John Caudwell said:

“The first thing that strikes me is just how grossly unfair it is that a law designed to protect people in totally different circumstances is causing such vast worry and uncertainty amongst those who are completely blameless for a debt that may result in an important collection – and a big piece of Potteries heritage – being broken up.

“I passionately believe that the collection should remain intact and in place, and available for public viewing.

“If the Trustees don’t find any other way of solving the issue, then I will attempt to buy the entire collection and keep it n situ for the foreseeable future, and continue with public access.

“This would be subject, of course, to the outcome of any discussions with Administrators, and input of the Trustees.

“It is vital that such an important piece of history and heritage remains in the Potteries.”

In 2006, John Caudwell sold his 10,000-employee mobile phone business, which included Phones 4u, for £1.5bn. John now concentrates on charitable and philanthropic work including Caudwell Children @caudwellkids.

Ends

Further information:
Iain Macauley
07788 978800
im@pressrelations.co.uk

JOHN CAUDWELL: COMMENT ON DAVID CAMERON’S EUROZONE CRISIS PLEDGE TO FIGHT FOR UK INTERESTS.

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

QUOTES

December 7, 2011.

JOHN CAUDWELL: COMMENT ON DAVID CAMERON’S EUROZONE CRISIS PLEDGE TO FIGHT FOR UK INTERESTS.

Commenting on David Cameron's vow to fight to protect the UK national interest in discussions over a new EU Treaty, highly-successful entrepreneur John Caudwell said:

“At last David Cameron appears to be listening to the UK public, and, crucially, UK business, by digging his heels in over UK Sovereign power in Europe.

“It could, of course, be government smoke and mirrors again. But if this stance does win some Sovereign powers back for Britain, then it at least gives us a better chance of directly influencing our own future rather than being trapped in or dragged into the mess the other EU states are wading around in.

"It’s too early for any real detail, but any rebuttal of EU imposition needs to be robust – we must not be sold down the river.”

In 2006, John Caudwell sold his 10,000-employee mobile phone business, which included Phones 4u, for £1.5bn. John now concentrates on charitable and philanthropic work including Caudwell Children @caudwellkids.

Ends
Further inforation
iain Macauley
im@pressrelations.co.uk
07788 978800

KIEV’S STREET KIDS – AND THE GROWING HIV/AIDS RISK TO THE WEST.

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

PRESS RELEASE

November 28, 2011.

KIEV’S STREET KIDS – AND THE GROWING HIV/AIDS RISK TO THE WEST.

Entrepreneur John Caudwell has just returned from Kiev where he saw at first hand the quietly-growing but potentially significant health issue which could re-invigorate the HIV/AIDS threat in Western Europe.

John, who sold his mobile phone business in 2006 to concentrate on supporting a number of charities, went with the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) to Kiev in the Ukraine to see both the work of EJAF @ejaforg – and the extent of the challenge.

“There’s a whole sub-culture of street kids – living in squats and dens amongst the heating pipes under Kiev’s streets and bridges – aged from around 14 to 22, who have been rejected by society,” said Caudwell, who has put together an intentionally provocative video diary of the visit http://bit.ly/s1Wp95.

“Drugs are endemic – 80% of these street kids are said to be addicted, which brings untold health risks – but matters are made worse by the girls who see getting a ‘boyfriend’ as being a priority because they believe that will give them some security in life. But with little or no understanding of those health risks, around 20% have HIV/AIDS. Most believe there is no help for them.

“But the West should take not: HIV/AIDS infection levels in the Ukraine are reaching a point where spreading of the disease becomes exponential – and with the volume of movement of people into Western Europe, plus the number of overseas workers in the Ukraine, this has potentially huge ramifications.

Caudwell and partner Claire Johnson joined Elton John and David Furnish, along with actor David Walliams and his wife Lara Stone, and others hoping to raise awareness of the issue, on the trip

“Success in helping the street kids in Kiev is measured by simply getting them to come forward so they can get help. The vast majorityare distructing of the authorities, and spend their lives on the streets dodging rape and violence,” said John.

In his video diary, John highlights the stark contrast between the privilieged lives of those who donate to and drive the Elton John AIDS Foundation and its work, with the squalor and helplessness by young people living on – and under – the streets of Kiev.

“If we’d just run a few clips of impoverished, rejected, drug-addicted street kids eking a life in squats, then unpleasant as those clips are, they have far more impact when we slot them between clips from the other dramtically different extremes of life and society,” he said

“It’s a dreadful situation, and it is incumbent upon those of us who are in a position to be able to help to do just that.”

The footage in the video diary was shot by David Walliams and John Caudwell

In 2006, John Caudwell sold his 10,000-employee mobile phone business, which included Phones 4u, for £1.5billion. John now concentrates on charitable and philanthropic work including Caudwell Children @caudwellkids.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

JOHN CAUDWELL: COMMENT ON EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION CONSULTATION.

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

QUOTES

November 23, 2011.

JOHN CAUDWELL: COMMENT ON EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION CONSULTATION.

Commenting on the government’s announcement that it is launching a consultation into changing employment legislation (BBC News - Unfair dismissal: Vince Cable ponders new hire-and-fire rules http://bbc.in/vRNOE2 ), John Caudwell, who created thousands of jobs in his mobile phone business, said:

“It’s a step in the right direction, but nowhere near radical enough.

“Interestingly, changing employment rules to help drive recruitment and growth was something I flagged up last week when youth unemployment figures were in the news - http://bit.ly/volZae .

“What this serves to illustrate is that the government is still behind the curve, because if people in business like me are flagging up these ideas and then government is making big announcements about similar ideas a week later, then perhaps they should be spending a great deal more time listening to UK companies who are trying to fight their way out of downturn with one hand tied behind their back.

“It’s those companies – and business people like me who have been there, done it and got the scar tissue – who know what works.”

In 2006, John Caudwell sold his 10,000-employee mobile phone business, which included Phones 4u, for £1.5bn. John now concentrates on charitable and philanthropic work including Caudwell Children @caudwellkids.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT CRISIS - MAKE YOUNGSTERS MASSIVELY MORE ATTRACTIVE TO FIRMS.

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

PRESS RELEASE

November 17, 2011.

CAUDWELL: YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT CRISIS - MAKE YOUNGSTERS MASSIVELY MORE ATTRACTIVE TO FIRMS.

Entrepreneur John Caudwell, who was taken on as an engineering apprentice in Stoke-on-Trent more than 40 years ago, says a three-point plan needs to be put in place, fast, to tackle youth unemployment by making youngsters massively more attractive to firms.

“This is a huge crisis. It’s controversial, but somebody’s got to say it, so I will: A combination of the government considering temporarily lowering the minimum wage, considering changing employment laws, and significantly increasing incentives to employers to take on youngsters, is crucial to driving a turnaround in youth employment levels and making employing young workers a much more attractive value proposition,” said John Caudwell.

Caudwell, who sold his self-built mobile phone business for £1.5 billion in 2006, was taken on as an apprentice on around one-tenth of the £30 per week national average wage in 1970 - £3 11s and 6d a week, roughly half the 2011 equivalent – and was one of 200 apprentices taken on to learn a trade at the same time.

John Caudwell said: “A great deal of this issue is nothing to do with the attitude of the majority of youngsters – it’s to do with the value proposition to employers, and making employing youngsters attractive to employers.

“Employers must be incentivised to take on young people – employers know what works for them, so the government should listen.

“The government should also consider temporarily lowering the minimum wage, particularly for apprentices, so that more employers can afford to take on more young people for vocational training.

“The government should also take a long, hard, look at legislation that protects workers’ rights early in their jobs or careers – and consider changing the law to make it a lot easier to hire and fire. The employer is then taking less of a risk in taking somebody on who they may consider to be borderline viable, and those looking for work who may not otherwise have a chance get a chance.

“The combination of these three measures would hopefully motivate employers to create jobs, and get youngsters doing something rather than falling into a life-approach of institutionalised unemployment.

“If we don’t do this, we will end up with a desperate lack of skills in the future when the economy picks up, and, in addition, a new society of young social scroungers.

“Whether society likes it or not, the simple fact is that we have to make it attractive for employers to take youngsters on by taking a radical approach. If I was 16 again, then I’d rather be earning something and learning a skill or a trade than wasting my life away, and I’m sure that stands for a lot of young people.”

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

@johndcaudwell

FATHER TOPS BUSINESS CHARTS, SON AIMS FOR MUSIC CHARTS.

RUFUS CAUDWELL

PRESS RELEASE

@johndcaudwell

November 7, 2011.

FATHER TOPS BUSINESS CHARTS, SON AIMS FOR MUSIC CHARTS.

Video here: http://bit.ly/pTmKdb

His father may have spent years at the top of the business success charts, but Rufus Caudwell, son of entrepreneur and philanthropist John Caudwell, has his sights set on the music charts.

GCSE student Rufus, 16, from Macclesfield, has been developing his musical talents and recorded a number of videos and tapes.

“He’s demonstrating a talent for music which makes me wonder whether the Caudwell business genes have jumped a generation in favour of vocal and creative abilities,” said John.

“He’s been quietly developing as a guitarist and singer, and I’ve even invited him to play and sing at family parties.

“That’s no mean feat as it turns out, because my children’s charity is supported by a number of people from the entertainment industry who have become friends – so Rufus has found himself performing in front of some pretty talented names, some with a bit of experience of topping the music charts.”

Rufus said: “I’m writing my own material, but it’s important for people to recognise I have a passion for what I’m doing, so for now I’m showcasing my voice and guitar-playing by doing recognisable cover versions of my favourite artists’ songs so people can judge for themselves whether I have a talent.

“I’ve been immersed in music for years – I love it - if I could be a fraction as successful in music as my dad has been in business then I’ll be pretty pleased.”

Rufus’ style – “chilled acoustics” - is inspired by artists such as Damien Rice, Boyce Avenue and Ed Sheeren, with some friends saying he sounds like David Gray.

Follow this link to see and hear Rufus Caudwell: http://bit.ly/pTmKdb

In 2006 John Caudwell sold his 10,000-employee mobile phone business, which included Phones 4u, for £1.5bn. John now concentrates on charitable and philanthropic work including Caudwell Children @caudwellkids.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations

07788 978800

@johndcaudwell

JOHN CAUDWELL FEATURES IN CNBC PROFILE: “CNBC MEETS”.

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

PRESS RELEASE

November 1, 2011.

JOHN CAUDWELL FEATURES IN CNBC PROFILE: “CNBC MEETS”.

Interview with entrepreneur and philanthropist
to air on 2 November at 10.00pm GMT.

Photo here: http://bit.ly/sz3O1e

Video clip here: http://bit.ly/tm4ekj

John Caudwell, who sold his UK-based mobile telecoms business including high street brand Phones 4u for £1.5 billion in 2006, features in CNBC’s “CNBC Meets” series - which profiles some of the world’s most successful people - on Wednesday, 2 November at 10.00pm GMT.

CNBC’s guest presenter, Tania Bryer, speaks with Caudwell about how he built his business from nothing, and now focuses on charitable and philanthropic work,

In this exclusive interview, Caudwell talks candidly about his poverty-stricken childhood growing up on a council estate in Stoke-on-Trent, how he was bullied at school, and about his first business ventures - which failed.  He also talks openly about how he built up his mobile phone empire – and the sacrifices he had to make along the way.

Caudwell discusses the raid on his family home in 2010 and how he was nearly killed defending his family; he also talks and the importance of philanthropy in his life - as one of Britain's active philanthropists he has raised millions of pounds to help sick and disabled children. 

The programme looks at how he gives back to make a real difference to people's lives via Caudwell Children, @caudwellkids, the charity he founded which raises millions of pounds, and  also at his support of the NSPCC and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Filmed on location at his old home, his schools and at the Jacobean estate in Staffordshire where he now lives with his family – and including interviews with The Duchess of York, Sir Elton John and singer Peter Andre - this episode takes viewers on an inspirational rags to riches journey which is truly inspiring.

First transmission date:  2 November 2011, 10.00pm GMT.

Transcript and review copies of the programme are available upon request.

Presenter - Tania Bryer

Producer / Director- Jennifer Linton

Editor - Brian Watkinson

Executive Producers - Tania Bryer & Niaz Samadizadeh

The CNBC Meets series, which is sponsored by Gulf Air, has already featured up close and personal interviews with Tamara Mellon (Jimmy Choo), Richard Desmond (Northern & Shell) and supermodel Naomi Campbell.

CNBC is available in the UK on all major pay-tv platforms:  Sky (channel 505), Virgin (613), Talk Talk (510), Freesat (210).

Ends

Notes to Editors

About CNBC

CNBC is the leading global broadcaster of live business and financial news and information, reporting directly from the major financial markets around the globe with three regional networks including CNBC in Asia, CNBC in EMEA and CNBC in the US.  CNBC.com provides live streaming as well as an extensive video archive, database and analytical financial tools.  CNBC is dedicated to CEOs, senior corporate executives; the financial services industry and private investors.  The channel is available to more than 390 million homes worldwide.  CNBC is a division of NBCUniversal.  www.cnbc.com

For more information, please contact:

Hugo Foulds

CNBC

hugo.foulds@cnbc.com 020 7653 9398

John Caudwell PR:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk 07788 978800

johndcaudwellblogspot.com

YouTube: CaudwellPhilanthropy

CAUDWELL AUDLEY SQUARE BRIEF: “THINK GRAND MAYFAIR ARCHITECTURE”.

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

PRESS RELEASE

October 31, 2011.

CAUDWELL AUDLEY SQUARE BRIEF: “THINK GRAND MAYFAIR ARCHITECTURE”.

Prospective development partners for John Caudwell’s newly-acquired Audley Square House site have been told to think “grand Mayfair architecture” when considering their proposals.

A division of John Caudwell's property investment and development business acquired the site earlier in October from Ireland’s National Asset Management Agency in a £143 million deal, and has started talks with a select number of potential partners.

And while the site has planning permission for a “contemporary glass-faced” residential apartment complex of 157,000 square feet, Caudwell’s team is looking at other options for the six-year plan which would ultimately “drastically improve the architecture in this corner of Mayfair”.

“The intention is not just to re-establish Audley Square as one of the most desirable residential areas in London, but as one of the most desirable in the world – with super-prime properties appealing to the world’s most discerning buyers, and I believe traditional Mayfair architecture is the key to success,” said John Caudwell.

“But it’s too early in the process to confirm absolutes. We still have to look very carefully at how we address the likely hurdles, but once those challenges have been overcome we expect to deliver a fabulous development in the style of ‘grand Mayfair architecture’.

“We’re currently in discussion with a small number of prospective development partners, and we have extremely high expectations.”


In 2006, John Caudwell sold his 10,000-employee mobile phone business, which included Phones 4u, for £1.5bn. John now concentrates on charitable and philanthropic work including Caudwell Children @caudwellkids.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

@Press_Relations

JOHN CAUDWELL SUPPORTS CONSERVATION PROJECT AT MIDDLEPORT POTTERY, STOKE-ON-TRENT

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

PRESS RELEASE

October 25, 2011.

JOHN CAUDWELL SUPPORTS CONSERVATION PROJECT AT MIDDLEPORT POTTERY, STOKE-ON-TRENT.

October 25, 2011, tour of factory with HRH The Prince of Wales.

Entrepreneur John Caudwell, who built one of the UK’s most successful mobile phone businesses, creating thousands of jobs in Stoke-on-Trent, has committed a significant six-figure sum to a project by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust for the conservation and regeneration of Middleport Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire.

John toured the factory on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 with His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, President of The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, to learn about the project and its wider regeneration objectives. The project at Middleport will create local jobs, attract new business to the area and production of the world-renowned blue and white Burleighware will remain in Stoke-on-Trent.  

“In an era of an invisible and largely electronic economy, it is sometimes easy to forget that everything we know today was built on an industrial and manufacturing revolution, which bred incredible craftsmen and products, and made Britain a manufacturing powerhouse. Coming from an engineering background myself, I really appreciate the skills required in making and producing quality products,” said John Caudwell.

“Making pottery is an ancient industry; we touch and use the products of the pottery industry thousands of times a day – which perhaps dilutes our recognition of their significance.

“The pottery products of Stoke-on-Trent are something very special, often imitated but never matched. But the products of Middleport Pottery are not just special, they represent the products of the Stoke-on-Trent pottery industry at its very best.

“Nowhere else on earth are the skills and craftsmanship of working with clay, water, heat and colour so deeply embedded in the DNA of the population. It is crucial that such craftsmanship is preserved in Stoke-on-Trent, and so I am delighted to be making a contribution to the recovery, maintenance and growth of a vital local industry.”

In 2006, John Caudwell sold his 10,000-employee mobile phone business, which included Phones 4u, for £1.5bn. John now concentrates on charitable and philanthropic work including Caudwell Children @caudwellkids.

Follow John Caudwell on Twitter @johndcaudwell.

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

CAUDWELL: EUROPE ON TIGHTROPE AS MERKEL AND SARKOZY BALANCE WIN AND LOSE.

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

PRESS RELEASE

October 22, 2011.

CAUDWELL: EUROPE ON TIGHTROPE AS MERKEL AND SARKOZY BALANCE WIN AND LOSE.

Commenting on the current Eurozone talks, entrepreneur John Caudwell said:

“Merkel and Sarkozy will struggle to find agreement over the financial crises. Sarkozy has everything to gain – he desperately needs a solution because Franceis more vulnerable to contagion, and its credit rating is under threat, while Merkel has the lion’s share of everything to win – and lose.

“Finding a comprehensive solution which will work will be immensely complicated, even for one member state. But since the solution has to work for all member states, this means the complexity of the proposal grows exponentially with the self-interests of each country piled one on top of the other.

“I also believe there is an element of Merkel keeping her powder dry for now, but she is, of course, well aware of the ill condition of Europe, and cannot allow it to deteriorate too much for fear of a domino-effect collapse. It will cost her more than anyone else; she knows she has to tread carefully.

“There is a crucial balancing act going on as Europe walks a precarious tightrope with the rest of the world perched on its shoulders.”

In 2006, John Caudwell sold his 10,000-employee mobile phone business, which included Phones 4u, for £1.5bn. John now concentrates on charitable and philanthropic work including Caudwell Children @caudwellkids .

@johndcaudwell

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

CAUDWELL: EU REFERENDUM TALKS - UK NEEDS MORE SOVEREIGN CONTROL OVER ITS AFFAIRS.

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

PRESS RELEASE

October 22, 2011.

CAUDWELL:  EU REFERENDUM TALKS - UK NEEDS MORE SOVEREIGN CONTROL OVER ITS AFFAIRS.

The three main political parties at Westminster have told their MPs to vote against a motion calling for a referendum to be held on UK membership of the EU. Commenting, entrepreneur John Caudwell said:

“Such a referendum would be a distraction but we do need commitment from our government to drive a reduction in the level of control the EU has over the UK - and for the UK to regain much more sovereign control over its own affairs.

“Europe has been a huge political experiment; in fact, you could argue it’s actually been an ego trip, guaranteeing a place in the history books for its architects. The whole concept had some obvious advantages, but the huge disadvantages have been the loss of sovereign control, a significant increase in bureaucratic costs, and, for those who were trapped in the Euro, the inability of their economies to make the absolutely crucial economic adjustment of currency fluctuation – the UK should certainly never, ever consider going into the Euro.

“In fact, we should never have gone into Europe; it’s been a bureaucratic nightmare. But we’re in, for now, and we need to be on different terms than other EU states.”

In 2006, John Caudwell sold his 10,000-employee mobile phone business, which included Phones 4u, for £1.5bn. John now concentrates on charitable and philanthropic work including Caudwell Children @caudwellkids. John Caudwell videos on YouTube search CaudwellPhilanthropy

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

CAUDWELL: PROPOSALS INVITED FROM SELECT NUMBER OF PROSPECTIVE AUDLEY SQUARE HOUSE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS

JOHN CAUDWELL
@johndcaudwell

PRESS RELEASE

October 20, 2011.

CAUDWELL: PROPOSALS INVITED FROM SELECT NUMBER OF PROSPECTIVE AUDLEY SQUARE HOUSE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS.

A division of John Caudwell's property investment and development business has agreed a deal to acquire Audley Square House on South Audley Street in Mayfair. The site has planning permission for residential apartments in excess of 150,000 square feet.

John Caudwell said: “This is an exciting opportunity to develop super-prime residential property in the heart of Mayfair, but there are a number of significant obstacles which need to be overcome. Although we are intending to take a considered and unhurried view on how best to progress, the key process of inviting proposals from a select number of prospective development partners has already begun.”

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

STEVE JOBS: QUOTE FROM JOHN CAUDWELL.

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

QUOTES

October 6, 2011.

STEVE JOBS: QUOTE FROM JOHN CAUDWELL.

“Steve Jobs challenged all the longstanding mobile phone manufacturers - who had massive market share - and came from nowhere, not only to beat them at their own game, but to virtually kill them. He revolutionised the mobile phone industry. His application-driven smart phone set the benchmark from which all phones would be judged.”

In 2006, John Caudwell sold his 10,000-employee mobile phone business, which included Phones 4u, for £1.5bn. John now concentrates on charitable and philanthropic work including Caudwell Children @caudwellkids .

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

A-LEVEL RESULTS: “TOO MUCH PEER PRESSURE” TO GO TO UNIVERSITY, SAYS CAUDWELL.

JOHN CAUDWELL

PRESS RELEASE

August 17, 2011.

A-LEVEL RESULTS: “TOO MUCH PEER PRESSURE” TO GO TO UNIVERSITY, SAYS CAUDWELL.

Video interviews: YouTube Channel CaudwellPhilanthropy

Businessman and philanthropist John Caudwell says in some cases there's way too much peer pressure on young people to go on to university after they complete their A levels.

Sixth form students get their life-shaping exam results on August 18, 2011, but Caudwell says that while they should be aiming for straight 'A's across the board, a fast-track into a top university place should not be the be-all and end-all.

Caudwell, who made his estimated £1.5 billion fortune by growing and selling his mobile phone business – which included high street retailer Phones 4u – says that while formal education is an essential route for many young people, it’s not the best choice for everybody.

"There’s a group of people who feel pressed to do 'A' levels and university who actually would be much better just getting out there and going for it,” he said (video – 43 seconds).

"Clearly, for certain people, further education is absolutely the way forward, certainly if you're going into a professional environment where you need those qualifications. It also gives them a chance to develop themselves emotionally and intellectually, and enhance their education at the same time.

"But I don't think formal education necessarily plays an essential part in being a business success, in fact, possibly in some cases quite the reverse. I firmly believe that a challenging childhood that creates that drive, passion and desire to succeed is one of the strongest attributes to actually being successful (video – 42 seconds).

"Of course, you do need to be intelligent, there's no getting away from that, but being intelligent doesn't mean you have to go to university; being in a vocational situation, being in an entrepreneurial environment, and pushing for success, might be a way better education for some people than spending five years on further education.”

John Caudwell says his business success is largely down to taking a me-too idea, applying six critical business success factors, and doing it bigger and better.

"The opportunities these days from an ideas point of view are immense. The internet, the whole 'e' side of life, gives you massive scalability throughout the world. You've still got to come up with the idea, but even the less spectacular ideas can be made massively successful by having those six critical success factors (video – 50 seconds)," he said.

"Let's face it, who would have thought you could have made a fortune out of mobile phones by just being 'me-too'. That's all I had - I had a me-too proposition. Everybody sold Nokia, everybody sold Motorola, everybody connected to Vodafone airtime; all I did was do it bigger and better."

Ends

Further information:

Iain Macauley

+44 (0)7788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

YouTube Channel CaudwellPhilanthropy

Twitter @johndcaudwell

Flickr CaudwellPhilanthropy