HEART OF GOLD AWARD GOES TO JOHN AND CLAIRE CAUDWELL.

November 18, 2013.

HEART OF GOLD AWARD GOES TO JOHN AND CLAIRE CAUDWELL.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist John Caudwell spends most of his time and effort, and money, helping change lives, but last Friday he was the recipient: recognition from key figures in the music industry for his efforts to support charities and good causes.

John was presented with the Heart of Gold Award at the Global Angel Awards dinner at the Roundhouse in Camden on Friday, November 15, 2013, and he was joined on stage to receive it by his partner Claire Caudwell, who, John says, really does have a heart of gold and is very passionate about helping others, especially the charity John founded, Caudwell Children.

"The awards honour inspirational organisations and individuals who are game changers in transforming our world," said founder and CEO of the Global Angels Foundation, Molly Bedingfield, mother of pop icons Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield.

"The Heart of Gold Award is presented to an individual or couple who use their influence and generosity to significantly empower and support philanthropic endeavours. These are people who embody the spirit of giving."

John Caudwell said: "Philanthropic work in helping orders gives me the most amazing sense of satisfaction and pleasure and that is the reward in itself. In fact the reward is so great, that many years ago I pledged to give at least 50% of my wealth away during and after my lifetime. Whilst I do not need awards and accolades, I do feel very honoured, alongside my gorgeous Claire, to be receiving the Heart of Gold award.

"Global Angels is a fantastic organisation, and we need to ensure it continues its great work - a crucial element of which is that 100% of money raised goes directly to the causes it supports."

John Caudwell sold his mobile telecoms business, which included high street retailer Phones 4u, for £1.5 billion in 2006, and has since concentrated his efforts on philanthropic work supporting charities and good causes. He is the founder of Caudwell Children, which concentrates on providing treatment for desperately ill children, and support for them and their families.

John has pledged to give away at least half his wealth to charities and good causes during his lifetime and after his death.

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Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

www.caudwell.com

HONOURED TO PRESENT WWll's YOUNGEST LANCASTER PILOT, NOW 89, WITH HIS BOMBER COMMANDS CLASP.

It's more than a year since the Bomber Command Memorial was dedicated by the Queen.

As principal benefactor to the cost of the Memorial, it is my belief - at a time when the nation seems more aware than ever of both the value of our servicemen and women - that we as a nation should do whatever we can to maintain awareness of just what our armed forces personnel sacrificed to give us the freedoms we have today.

So when I was asked to present a Bomber Command clasp to Harry Hooper, who, I believe, was one of our youngest WWll Lancaster bomber pilots, I jumped at the chance. Indeed, I was honoured and flattered that his family should approach me to make the presentation on the Memorial itself.

Here is how it was reported in print and on TV:

http://www.caudwell.com/uncategorized/veteran-surprised-bomber-command-clasp-89th-birthday/

FLYING IN THE LANCASTER BOMBER IN THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY FLYPAST

FLYING IN THE LANCASTER BOMBER IN THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY FLYPAST.

I had the most amazing privilege at the weekend. Last year I made a £2 million contribution towards the cost of the Bomber Command Memorial in London - a memorial that, quite frankly, probably would not have happened had organisers of the project not approached me for support. It did not take much convincing that I should help out in the creation of a tribute to more than 55,000 young airmen 

Out of the blue - literally - as a thank-you for my support, the RAF invited me to fly in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster Bomber as part of the flypast over Buckingham Palace for the Queen's birthday celebrations.

As well as being an incredible honour, it was also an amazing insight into what the Bomber Command crews had to endure. While flying through windy and turbulent airspace over London on a June day in 2013 was uncomfortable enough in startlingly cramped conditions, those young men did superhuman jobs seven decades ago in carrying out their missions in the pitch black, with anti-aircraft fire exploding around them, and fighters chasing them down.

Here are some photos from my day with the http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/59769416@N02/9085575167/ Here's the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t87Rpg2o3BM http://www.caudwell.com/

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EU NEEDS TO BE RE-NEGOTIATED.

Transcript of my opinion column in The Times, April 22, 2013, regarding Business for Britain, and the need to re-negotiate our relationship with the EU.

Over the last few years the British people have become increasingly sceptical about the European Union. A clear majority no longer think that British taxpayers, farmers, small businesses or consumers are getting a good deal from Brussels.

The kneejerk response of many defenders of the existing configuration of the EU is to insist that the EU is good for British business and that any big changes to Britain’s relationship with Brussels will hurt our economic interests. I’m reminded of the late 1990s when many big business voices - although that didn't include me - poured scorn on the public’s worries about the Euro. We now know that the people were right and it took the hugely successful Business for Sterling campaign to confront groups like the CBI and make the case against UK membership of what has become the disastrous single currency project.

It’s time for British businesses to organise again and make it clear that while some business leaders are always ready to defend the EU, many of us are increasingly concerned about its direction. 500 business figures have today signed up to the Business for Britain campaign to support a renegotiation of our EU relationship and get a better deal for the people who create this nation’s jobs and wealth.

I’m one of those signatories. I've run businesses in this country for 30 years, one of which became the world's biggest privately-owned mobile telecoms business employing thousands of people, and giving me the dubious honour of becoming quite possibly Britain's biggest personal tax payer.

Many people were hopeful that the EU’s single market would bring big benefits to Britain, but while it might once have been the case that being part of the Single Market was of net benefit, the costs and overregulation from Brussels now threaten to significantly outweigh any of those benefits.

Start-up SMEs, many of whom undertake no international activity, still have to comply with the red tape that Brussels has designed for cross-border trade. That makes no sense. Some economic regulation is necessary to facilitate fair competition, but Brussels often seems to regulate for regulation’s sake. Its tendency towards a one-size-fits-all approach is making it harder for European businesses to compete with the world’s more lightly-regulated emerging economies.

Other problems loom, too.

The Financial Transaction Tax is a key example of Brussels’ detrimental thinking. If forced through with just eleven Member States' support, it risks damaging the competitiveness of the entire Single Market.

The City of London Corporation estimates the tax would add nearly £4 billion to the cost of issuing UK debt - the last thing our economy needs as it rebuilds. London is still the financial centre of the world and we need to do everything to maintain and promote that status.

Other businesses in other parts of Europe share many of the concerns of British business. They worry about the EU’s declining share of world trade and the EU’s contribution to that decline. If Britain presents sensible reforms to the economic architecture of the EU, many businesses in Germany, Spain, Poland and across the continent will encourage their governments to take those suggestions seriously.

We know that an opportunity for change is certainly coming. The EU will need to alter its Treaties to deal with the challenges posed by the still grave Eurozone crisis. As EU leaders think about fiscal union and other Treaty changes - possibly taking big steps towards federalism - we should be debating the kind of relationship we want to have with the EU. It's not about being in or out; business wants a more balanced relationship - and getting that balance right is vital for this nation’s competitiveness.

Business wants to see Brussels recognise that a diversity of economies requires far more flexibility than is currently provided for. If the EU is to thrive, with Britain in it, it needs to adapt. Tweaking reforms and paying lip-service to change have failed to address Europe’s economic woes and democratic deficit. The EU would benefit from showing it is open to decentralisation and deregulation in the areas where it would boost competitiveness. ]The ‘European project’ is always changing and evolving. In this fiercely competitive age it needs to change again. An end to a one-size-fits-all model of regulation is central to the change that is necessary. Business for Britain will be at the Prime Minister’s elbow, encouraging him to be bold in his demands for a more competitive EU. If he delivers it won’t just be Britain that will prosper. The European mainland’s record number of unemployed people will benefit, too.

John Caudwell, Entrepreneur and philanthropist.

More links:

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/opinion/columnists/article3745353.ece (subscription required).
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/500-business-leaders-call-for-new-deal-in-europe-8582087.html?origin=internalSearch

http://businessforbritain.org/

http://www.cityam.com/article/britain-s-business-elite-becoming-increasingly-eurosceptic

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10008978/500-business-leaders-tell-David-Cameron-to-negotiate-a-better-deal-with-Europe.html

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b740e8e4-aa83-11e2-bc0d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2RAzcgEnS (subscription required).

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

PRESS RELEASE

February 19, 2013.

JOHN CAUDWELL HELPS BRING THE GIVING PLEDGE TO EUROPE.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist John Caudwell is amongst a handful of high-net-worth individuals to bring the life-changing Giving Pledge (www.thegivingpledge.org) to Europe.

John, who sold his telecommunications business for £1.5 billion in 2006, joins the likes of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett in pledging to donate significant tranches of their wealth to philanthropy - and collectively changing the lives of many generations to come.

"The Giving Pledge is a simple principle, a pledge for extremely wealthy people to give away the majority of their wealth during - or after - their lifetime to charitable causes," said John Caudwell.

"The collective worth of those committing to The Giving Pledge is hundreds of billions of dollars. That sort of resource can help countless millions of people.

"It is in the culture of north Americans  to adopt such an approach - that's where The Giving Pledge started and thrived - but I contacted Bill Gates about trying to drive such an approach in the UK and Europe, and this is our breakthrough.

"I've already discovered the pleasure of giving my wealth to worthy and charitable causes that genuinely make a difference to the lives of the least fortunate. Those of us who have yet to find philanthropy may find there is a far greater reward from it than from wealth creation.

"I will give away at least half my wealth during my lifetime and after my death. In the meantime I'll continue to grow my wealth as much as possible so that the amount I bequeath to charities and worthy causes can be as substantial as possible."

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

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Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

www.caudwell.com

www.caudwellchildren.com

www.thegivingpledge.org

EU REFERENDUM: CLEVER CAMERON STRATEGY, BUT WILL HE LET NEGOTIATIONS BUMP ALONG TO GAIN TORY ADVANTAGE?

JOHN CAUDWELL

@johndcaudwell

PRESS RELEASE

January 23, 2013.

EU REFERENDUM: CLEVER CAMERON STRATEGY, BUT WILL HE LET NEGOTIATIONS BUMP ALONG TO GAIN TORY ADVANTAGE?

Commenting on Prime Minister David Cameron's speech about a new treaty for Britain in the EU, entrepreneur and philanthropist John Caudwell said:

"David Cameron has been very clever - this is great manipulation of the British public on the back of a strategy which would actually be better for that British public anyway.

"I'm in complete agreement not to force an immediate split with Europe, but rather that terms are negotiated that would get the best for Britain out of the relationship with Europe but without us being exposed to the negative aspects.

"If we can arrive at that, then great - but I doubt David Cameron will get the outcome I, and many others, would be happy with.

"If we do get into a position with Europe which is acceptable to me, for one - and most probably the British public in general too - through some hard negotiation, then I'd be voting to stay in.

"But that negotiation needs a hardball approach to make Europe acceptable to Britons. I suspect David Cameron will be happy to let the negotiations bump along in time for a referendum mid next term of office.

"It's actually a pretty smart strategy to keep the Tories in power while appearing to do the best for Britain."

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

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Further information:

Iain Macauley

im@pressrelations.co.uk

07788 978800

www.caudwell.com

HOLLYWOOD STAR EVA LONGORIA PRESENTS JOHN CAUDWELL WITH CHARITY "PHILANTHROPRENEUR" AWARD.

JOHN CAUDWELL
@johndcaudwell
PRESS RELEASE

December 10, 2012.

HOLLYWOOD STAR EVA LONGORIA PRESENTS JOHN CAUDWELL WITH CHARITY "PHILANTHROPRENEUR" AWARD.

Philanthropist and entrepreneur John Caudwell's two worlds merged on Saturday night when he was presented with The Noble Gift Philantrhropreneur Award by Hollywood star Eva Longoria.

John received the award at The Noble Gift Gala at ME London where other award winners included will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.

"It's easy to get blinded by the fantasy and glamour of Hollywood and lose sight of reality. But the commitment of Eva Longoria in supporting and highlighting the efforts of myself and the other award winners illustrates that while Hollywood is largely completely lost in that fantasy and its own importance, there are a few shining lights who are deeply appreciative of the gritty reality of the tough challenges the massively less-fortunate face and overcome every day," said John Caudwell.

"Eva Longoria is one of those special people who recognise that charities face real battles - not just in addressing the challenges they commit to support, but also in driving an awareness of what they do, and consequently to raise even more funds and support.

"Yes, we had a great and glamourous evening, but the effect and influence of such events in bringing to the fore the plights and challenges of those in need should not be underestimated."

The Noble Gift Gala honours individuals who have impacted the world through their exceptional philanthropic work, and is a unique international fundraising gala initiative that brings together the worlds of business, celebrity and philanthropy to raise funds and awareness to fiscally responsible charities locally and internationally.

It works with fundraising organisations and charities including Make-A-Wish UK, The Eva Longoria Foundation, The Great Initiative, Seven Bar Foundation,  Fight for Life, and, most recently, Caudwell Children, a charity founded by John Caudwell, and which he continues to support.

Caudwell Children, which John founded in 2000, is so efficient that it converts every £1 raised into £2.08 to help desperately ill children and their families.

"It's a great honour to receive any award or recognition. But this is an award which in effect recognises the efforts philanthropists make the world over, and how charities and good causes embrace and direct donations and resources, in turn enabling them to make a huge difference to the lives of the vulnerable," said John Caudwell.

"But while I was delighted to accept the award, I must highlight the day-to-day efforts of the Caudwell Children team, and use this moment to emphasise the depth of the desperate plight of the children and families Caudwell Children tries to help."

Amongst others, John also supports the Elton John Aids Foundation, The Prince's Trust and the NSPCC, and was the principal donor to the Bomber Command Memorial in London.  John Caudwell is one of the UK's most successful entrepreneurs, having built and then sold  the Caudwell Group of telecoms businesses. The sale of the group, whose high street face was Phones 4u, realised £1.46 billion. Since the 2006 sale, John has concentrated on supporting various charities, but with a particular emphasis on Caudwell Children.

Other recipients of 2012 Noble Gift Awards: Mrs. Ella Krasner (NG Philanthropist Award), rap music star will.i.am (NG Humanitarian Award) and Mrs. Sylvie Young OBE (NG Wanson Award).  

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Further information:

Iain Macauley

07788 978800

im@pressrelations.co.uk

www.caudwell.com

www.caudwellchildren.com