nick@bedspacetrust.org

I began my journey with Bedspace in 1999 as its first employee, initially focused on supporting and accommodating asylum seekers in Lancashire. Over the years, my role evolved, and in 2016, I assumed the position of Managing Director. During this period, we have witnessed significant growth, adding hundreds of new staff and introducing innovative services as part of a comprehensive approach to provide the best possible environments and support for vulnerable young people.

The individuals we serve often find themselves in vulnerable situations through no fault of their own. It could be due to their age, disability, financial hardships, or their transition from local authority care, including those experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Unfortunately, once a young person turns 18, funding is often discontinued, leaving them at a precarious juncture. To break this cycle of homelessness, Bedspace has remained steadfast in its mission to 'Transform the Lives of Vulnerable People.' Over the past four years, we have invested over £1.5 million to support young people facing the Post-18 Cliff Edge, in addition to allocating approximately £9,000 per month to assist those who may not yet be prepared for independent living.

In our commitment to sustaining this vital support for vulnerable individuals, we have established the Bedspace Trust. Through this initiative, we have been able to fund a dedicated Post-18 Service that provides crucial support to young people who need it the most. I take immense pride in sharing that we currently support over 150 young people whose funding has ceased, ensuring they receive the assistance they require on their journey towards a brighter future.

dave.mackie@bedspacetrust.org

My journey in the insurance industry began in the late 1970s when I started as an apprentice at a predecessor to Aviva. I transitioned to the broking world in the mid-1980s. In the mid-1990s, I took a significant step by establishing my own successful commercial insurance brokerage in the Northwest, which experienced rapid tenfold growth in just a decade. Following this achievement, I sold the business in 2006 to a larger private equity-backed national brokerage but remained in a senior role through two subsequent mergers, eventually reaching a senior position within a multinational brokerage in the UK.

In 2016, I embarked on a new chapter by joining a pioneering private equity backed Insurance Broking venture from its inception. By the early 2020s, this venture had transformed into an international 'unicorn,' making a significant impact on the UK broking market & expansion into Europe.

As I approach my mid-60s, I am eager to dedicate more of my time and extensive business knowledge to support those less fortunate. My role as a trustee at Bedspace Trust perfectly aligns with my desire to contribute to a meaningful cause. My connection with one of the original founders of Bedspace Trust, along with my deep passion for their vision of caring for the vulnerable, ticks all such boxes so I am pleased to dedicate time and effort to this vision.

As a trustee, I bring valuable guidance to Bedspace Trust, ensuring that the Trust delivers maximum benefit while minimising risk.

graham.wood@bedspacetrust.org

With over four decades of experience as a qualified accountant and Finance Director / CFO, I have a diverse background in finance and business leadership. I began my career with KPMG in Liverpool, and since then, I've embarked on a journey that spans various business sectors and has involved significant international travel on all continents except for Antarctica which remains on my bucket list.

I've been involved in businesses in sectors as diverse as IT, Property Investment, Construction, Professional Services, Engineering, Manufacturing, Charities and Recruitment. Most of these businesses have been high growth situations. A constant has been challenges with people - their recruitment, training, development, motivation, and retention will always be the key to a successful and sustainable business whatever sector they operate in. This is a fact often overlooked by my fellow accountants.

Currently, I serve as a part-time Finance Director/CFO for several businesses across the North of England. I am also a non-executive director or Chairman for four startup or early-stage Private Equity funded companies. In my spare time, I am kept busy as Chairman at Witton Albion Football Club who play in Step 4 of the English Football League. I am also treasurer for the Cheshire RFU Mini & Juniors Section, and Winnington Park Rugby Football Club where I also manage my youngest son’s U16 team.

Whilst I have a love of sports, fine food and wine, and travel, my true passion has always been in helping individuals achieve their potential whether in their business, work, or personal lives. Joining the Bedspace Trust, I hope we can make a meaningful impact on the local community by helping vulnerable young people in their, often difficult, journey from care to their forever home.