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. Everyone talks about the American Dream, but I think we’ve got our own here in the UK – especially in the City, where ambition and opportunity collide.

And one thing you would change?

I’d change the lack of diversity of thought, background and gender in the City, especially at senior levels. The gender pay, pension and investment gaps are stark and we are missing out on growing our economy unless we unlock women’s potential and those from ethnic minorities – and poorer backgrounds of all ethnicities.

What’s been your most memorable lunch?

After being given the Freedom of the City by Sir Charles Bowman, the then-Lord Mayor, I took my mum to lunch at City Social to celebrate – it was a really proud moment. I haven’t taken any sheep across the Thames yet, but there’s still time!

And any business faux pas?

When I was young, I would organise raves… But I was overly trusting of business partners and our clientele – turns out that friends aren’t always the best business partners and people will not always enter into the spirit in which you intend!