Timpson boss appointed as Prisons Minister following Labour’s landslide victory
In a significant development following Labour’s landslide victory over the Conservatives in Thursday’s election, James Timpson OBE, the chief executive of the Timpson shoe repair chain, has been appointed as the new Minister for Prisons, Parole, and Probation.
The announcement was made yesterday as part of the new Prime Minister’s cabinet appointments.
Mr Timpson’s appointment has been widely applauded due to his well-documented commitment to rehabilitating ex-convicts and his passion for business. His notable efforts include serving as Chair of the Employers Forum for Reducing Re-offending (EFFRR) until 2016 and later becoming Chair of the Prison Reform Trust. In this role, he established an Employment Advisory Board network throughout the country to improve job opportunities for prison leavers.
In recognition of his active work in supporting disadvantaged individuals through employment and training, Mr Timpson was awarded an OBE in 2011. His commitment to this cause is further evidenced by the employment of over 600 ex-prisoners in Timpson branches across the UK, a move praised for its role in offender rehabilitation.
Mr Timpson’s business acumen has significantly boosted the Timpson family business. Since taking on the role of Managing Director in 2002, he has grown the company from 320 shops to over 2,000, with profits soaring from £3 million to over £20 million. His success in business has not gone unnoticed, earning him accolades such as the David Goldman Visiting Professor of Innovation for 2012/13 at Newcastle University Business School and an ambassadorship for the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles, in 2015.
His expertise was also sought during Theresa May’s tenure as Prime Minister, where he was one of five co-chairs advising on creating optimal business conditions post-Brexit. Additionally, he was reappointed as a trustee of the Tate three years ago.
James Timpson’s journey with the family business began at the tender age of 14 when he served his first customer at the Northwich branch. After completing his degree in Geography at Durham University, he worked for Apparalmaster, a part of Johnsons the Cleaners, before taking up a marketing role at Timpson in 1995. His leadership since becoming Managing Director in 2002 has been transformative for the company.
With his new ministerial role, James Timpson OBE is set to bring his extensive experience in business and offender rehabilitation to the forefront of the UK’s prison system, aiming to enhance the opportunities and support available to those leaving prison.
