Acorns Ambassadors play a key role in raising awareness of our work within the business community and help us raise the funds we need to continue providing lifeline care and support for local life limited and life threatened children and their families.

Each of Acorns Business Ambassadors joins us in a two-year partnership, adding their own voice and experience to help us raise awareness, campaign and fundraise, with each committing to raising £5,000 each year. 

We are thrilled to have some of the region’s very best in business join us as Ambassadors. Their influence, passion and expertise will help us reach even more people within the business community and grow local support, making a massive difference to the children and families that need us now and in the future. 

Chris Woods

Who are you?

I am Chris Woods, the founder of a Global Cyber Security Business based in Birmingham, Ohio and Manila, whose work involves protecting clients data and reputations. I live in the West Midlands, originally I grew up in Smethwick but spent a number of years living in Italy and Middle East until I finally found my way home back to Birmingham in 2016. I am a massive Aston Villa fan but love all sports in general and am currently trying to convince my 2 daughters to support Aston Villa.  

Acorns has always had a special place in my heart; I can remember Aston Villa / Randy Learner sponsoring the 2008/09 season and now being in a position to help this charity means a great deal to me.  

Fun fact  

I grew up in a Pub in Alum Rock and played pool every day for 10 years – I’m still the youngest pool champion ever [age 8] to win the national Pontins Pool championship.  

LinkedIn

Gary Fulford

Who are you?

I am Gary Fulford and I am the Group Chief Executive of whg, one of the largest (and more importantly, the best!) housing providers in the West Midlands.  I have over 35 years’ experience of working in the housing sector in the Midlands and the South West.  whg is a registered charity and we pride ourselves on going the extra mile for our customers and communities. I am proud of whg’s charity fundraising efforts, having successfully raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes through various fundraising events in recent years.  

I grew up in the West Midlands and enjoy playing and watching football.  Although I support Wolverhampton Wanderers, I do have a soft spot for Walsall Football Club.  During the pandemic I purchased a motor home so that I can fulfil my love of travelling throughout the UK and abroad with my family.  

Fun fact  

I moved to a new house during the pandemic and realised that I was the proud owner of over 70 ties.  Given that I haven’t worn a tie for work in the last 10 years, I figured that it was time for a clear out!  (Next I might tackle the sock drawer!) 

LinkedIn

Chris Smith

Who are you?

Chris is the Managing Director of the Centre for the New Midlands, founding the organisation in January 2020.  Prior to establishing the regional think tank for the West Midlands, Chris worked for 15 years in the UK Higher Education sector, with extensive experience in stakeholder engagement; fundraising and student recruitment. 

He has a deep interest in regional and national politics, as well as the impact that philanthropy can have on driving positive change.

Chris has led international award-winning teams and takes great pride in building strong and effective teams throughout his career.

Chris has previously worked within the UK’s Home Office’s Immigration and Nationality Directorate. Chris is also a former Students’ Union President and has previously worked for the Saga Group plc. 

Chris has served as a member of the NSPCC Business Board in Coventry and Warwickshire. He is an avid Tottenham Hotspur supporter and a ‘Man of Kent’ by birth but an ‘adopted’ Coventrian having lived in the city since 2003.  

LinkedIn  

Giles Rowley

Who are you?

Giles Rowley is the Brand Director for Rybrook Specialist Cars and has worked in the Motor Trade for over 30 years.    

Giles said: “I believe in making a positive difference so could not be more proud to be associated with such a deserving and worthy cause as Acorns Children’s Hospice.”  

Fun fact  

I am a big James Blunt fan 

Harriet Giles

Harriet Giles is a marketing professional with a decade of experience in the hospitality industry. She is currently the Marketing Manager at Dishoom, a dynamic dining establishment known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service.

In her nine years in the hospitality sector, Harriet has worked with some of the biggest brands in the city, developing a deep understanding of customer engagement, brand management, and innovative marketing strategies. At Dishoom, she has led successful marketing campaigns that significantly boosted brand awareness and customer loyalty, and she has developed strategies that enhanced the overall customer experience.

Beyond her professional role, Harriet is passionate about community involvement. She actively supports local boards and charities, using her skills to contribute to various initiatives that make a positive impact. She has provided mentorship to young professionals aspiring to build careers in marketing and hospitality, sharing her knowledge and experience to help them succeed.

Harriet’s career is driven by a passion for hospitality and a commitment to excellence. She is always eager to explore new opportunities and collaborate with like-minded professionals to create memorable experiences for customers and positive changes in the community.

Johnathan Dudley

Who are you?

Chartered Accountant Johnathan Dudley is Managing Partner of Crowe’s Midlands and South West region and National Head of Manufacturing Business. On becoming a Business Ambassador, he said: “We spend too much time in life bemoaning what isn’t good in society or our lives when really we are so lucky. What Acorns does is give some positivity and smiles to people so much less fortunate than we are.”  

Fun fact  

Johnathan loves Led Zeppelin and has ‘Whole Lotta Love’ as his ringtone  

LinkedIn 

Kirsty Davies-Chinnock

Who are you?

Kirsty Davies-Chinnock is the MD of Professional Polishing Services Ltd which mechanically polishes stainless steel for a variety of industries including architectural projects such as Grand Central. Kirsty is originally from Birmingham but moved further out to the Staffordshire border where she lives with her husband and two Labradors. Kirsty is also the Director and Chair of the British Stainless-Steel Association, A Director for Art Business Loans which is a Community Development Finance Institution, a Non-Executive Director for TAG Network West Midlands and a Trustee for Birmingham Roller Derby.  

“After one of my colleagues recently lost his daughter after a long illness and I wanted to do more to help families in the West Midlands who have children who need additional support. Acorns provide so much to our local families that I am honored to become an Ambassador.”  

Fun fact  

In my early 20’s I used to play bass guitar in a rock band.  

LinkedIn 

Phil Oldershaw

Who are you?

Birmingham Entrepreneur, Personality and Hospitality Operator Phil Oldershaw has been a familiar face in the business community for over 30 years, specialising in events management, stage, screen and online presenting, PR and brand development. He said: “Acorns is a selfless charity that ensures this children’s hospice care never stops while also offering respite for families. I wanted to be a part of something so heartfelt.”  

Fun fact  

I Co-Founded Birmingham Pride in 1996, launching the first in 1997, which I worked with for 14 years! 

LinkedIn 

Matt Jones

Who are you?

Matt Jones is the Founder and MD of Oxbridge, the online college. A Birmingham-based EdTech entrepreneur, NED, angel investor, and charity ambassador, Matt has bootstrapped several multi-million GBP revenue industry-leading organisations. His hobbies include travel, learning to fly and recording music. 

He said: “Acorns Children’s Hospice is the most incredible charity. You only need to spend a short amount of time in one of their hospices to realise this. What particularly strikes me is how cheerful everyone is; in tough circumstances, it’s a place of joy and smiles. I admire how Acorns generously supports both service users and their wider families at such difficult times.” 

Fun fact  

I was (unbelievably) a quiet child, so my parents sent me to drama school.  I’ve been on stage with Lionel Blair at the Hippodrome and then moved on to work in concert lighting at many major events. I have had two altercations with the same A-list celebrity, now my arch-nemesis; once when they were making their backup dancers cry and once when their limo was blocking my drive (long story). 

LinkedIn 

Petro Nicolaides

Who are you?

Petro Nicolaides is the CEO of The f-t Group, a national commercial services business based in Solihull. He was born, bred, educated and works in the West Midlands. Petro describes Acorns as the ‘jewel in the crown of the West Midlands, representing everything great about our region’. Adding: “Acorns will always hold a very special place in my heart as it took care of my beautiful Godson Alexis. What they did (and continue to do) for him and our family is immeasurable, and something that we will always hold dear.”  

Fun fact  

My first business was at the age of 13, running a burger kiosk for the children of the Greek School.  

LinkedIn

A woman smiling with her arms crossed, in front of a wall of balloons.

Anita Chumber

Who are you?

Director/ Co-founder of BEvents.

A man and a woman smiling together.

Simon Lancaster

Who are you?

Founder, Owner, and CEO of SJL Insurance Services

Chef Dan Lee looking to the side smiling.

Dan Lee

Who are you?

With over 15 years of experience in the culinary world, Dan Lee has honed a unique blend of skills and expertise, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of global culinary traditions. Starting his journey in Birmingham, Dan sought out opportunities to refine his craft, travelling extensively to immerse himself in the cooking techniques and flavours of different cultures. His career spans prestigious private chef roles, five-star hotels and resorts, Michelin-starred restaurants, and even luxury cruise ships, making him a versatile and well-rounded culinary professional.

A specialist in Cantonese-British-Irish cuisine, Dan’s cooking is deeply rooted in his heritage, with a focus on traditional flavours complemented by modern techniques.

In Singapore, Dan made a mark as Senior Sous Chef at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, later moving to Table 65, where he played a key role in the restaurant’s rapid rise to Michelin star status in its debut year. After returning to the UK, Dan transitioned to the role of private chef before stepping into the spotlight on MasterChef: The Professionals, where his talent and creativity earned him the coveted title in 2021.

Dan is a proud brand ambassador for Cheffie, a private dining app that connects chefs with clients seeking exclusive, memorable dining experiences. Representing Cheffie through sell-out supper clubs in London and private dinners across the UK.

Since winning MasterChef, Dan has continued to push the boundaries of modern cuisine through pop-ups and collaborations across the UK and internationally. His culinary journey continues to inspire both his peers and the next generation of chefs.

By joining the Acorns Business Club, you will be helping us to provide a vital lifeline for families so that we can be there, when they need us most. 

Find out more and sign up