In the run-up to the inaugural TBE Awards this October, we’re profiling our expert panel of judges.
Paddy Bradley
Paddy Bradley is retired from full-time employment, having previously been the CEO of Swindon and Wiltshire LEP, and Director of Education and Skills and Head of Economy and Property at Swindon Borough Council. Prior to this, he worked as a teacher in this country and the Sultanate of Oman, as a Headteacher and local government Chief Education Adviser, and as a Systems Analyst in an international IT company.
Currently, Paddy is Chair of a Community Interest Company, a non-Executive on a health advisory board, a Trustee of a large local charity, and an Industrial Fellow at the University of Bath. He is also studying for a qualification in Executive Coaching and Mentoring with the Institute of Leadership and Management.
A keen long-distance walker, Paddy is looking forward to completing the Kerry Way in the summer of 2025, following his upcoming hip replacement.
Why did you agree to be a judge on the panel?
I have previously been a judge with The Business Exchange Techies Awards. During that time, the Swindon and Wiltshire LEP was the headline sponsor. As CEO of an organisation whose purpose was business growth, the Techies was a great way to celebrate brilliant local talent and foster an environment of growth and innovation. The transition into the wider reach of the TBE Awards, extending to Bath, Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire is an exciting development and I cannot wait to see the submissions. I have owned a couple of businesses of my own, led a successful not-for-profit and been in economic development for many years. These factors help in judging, and my education and inspection experience help me weigh-up the evidence to come to a judgement.
Why are these regional awards important for the business community?
The TBE Awards are the largest in the region and the categories hit the nail on the head. The Awards celebrate the right things which make for a vibrant business environment and because the reach is so much greater now, I am sure we will see a fantastic competition between amazing companies, but we will only see that competition and celebrate that success if businesses enter. Just by doing so, businesses are contributing to growth in our economy and business confidence and can gain so much from the publicity the Awards generate. We need that and we need an overflowing inbox of submissions!
What are you hoping to see from the Award applications?
A systematic approach to company growth, managed innovation and sustained commitment to employee development.
As you have worked in education, what does the Rising Star Award category mean to you?
I think everyone should look at the Rising Star Award as a sign of confidence in our businesses. Rising Stars do not thrive in non-supportive businesses. Hopefully, people who are entered for this award will be future business leaders and/or innovators.
What are your thoughts in general on the business community brought together by The Business Exchange?
The Business Exchange does what it says on the tin. It is about business and it fosters an exchange of views and ideas. TBE helps to create and grow the environment for businesses to both collaborate and compete, as all successful businesses do. We have had a tough time over the last few years and the economy is not growing at the rate we need. Our region has the capacity to be an engine for growth for the UK economy and the Business Exchange encourages that important interchange of ideas to make the difficult things doable.
To find out more about the TBE Awards and to enter visit: www.tbeawards.co.uk
