I am a proud son of Birmingham, shaped by the city’s values, its ambition, and its relentless commitment to progress. These foundations have informed my identity and guided my work across business, academia, and civic life.

As Professor Paul Cadman, I have built a career at the intersection of entrepreneurship, education, and philanthropy. Over several decades, I have contributed extensively to academic research, teaching, and institutional leadership, both within universities and through external engagement with industry and the public sector. My work is driven by a commitment to widening opportunity, raising standards, and ensuring that knowledge translates into meaningful societal impact.

In business, I have founded and grown organisations from inception to turnovers exceeding £100 million, creating employment, prosperity, and long‑term value. As Group CEO of One Thousand Trades Group (OTTG), I work alongside co‑directors who share my values and commitment to ethical, community‑centred enterprise. My leadership has been recognised internationally: I was named AI’s Most Innovative European Leader in 2016 and Brummie of the Year in 2021 for my contribution to Birmingham’s economy and its third sector. My work in transport design has included collaborations with McLaren, Jaguar, Porsche, Land Rover, Lilium, and the VW Group, contributing to the advancement of future mobility.

Dyslexia has been a defining influence in my life. Rather than a barrier, it has been a source of creativity, unconventional thinking, and innovative problem‑solving. I actively champion awareness and empowerment for individuals with learning differences, advocating for environments where neurodiversity is recognised as an asset.

Philanthropy remains central to my purpose. I have helped raise millions of pounds for charities including BYSA, Acorns Children’s Hospice, St Basils, The Army Benevolent Fund, Fisher House, University Hospitals Birmingham, and WASUP—an initiative active in more than 40 countries—among many others. I am a strong advocate for plasma donation and the UK’s plasma medicine sector, encouraging public engagement with NHSBT. Through my work in employment and skills, I have supported more than 30,000 people into work, ensuring that education, opportunity, and progression remain accessible to all. I am also deeply committed to supporting veterans, particularly through Starting Point Recruitment, helping them transition into meaningful civilian careers.

Sport has profoundly shaped my leadership philosophy. As a former British martial arts champion and rugby player, I draw on the discipline, resilience, and teamwork that sport instils. I am a vocal advocate for neurodivergent individuals in sport, promoting inclusion and raising awareness of both the challenges and the strengths they bring. As Chairman of Birmingham Youth Sports Academy, I support young people through grassroots football and mentorship. I also serve as a Non‑Executive Director at Birmingham City FC and sit on the Foundation Board, ensuring that community engagement remains central to the club’s mission.

Despite the recognition and achievements, I remain grounded in my working‑class roots. My early experiences instilled a deep understanding of hardship, aspiration, and the transformative power of opportunity. These values continue to guide my work and define my commitment to building a fairer, more ambitious, and more inclusive society.