‘Britain’s Best Boss’ and the UK’s ‘Non-Executive Director of the Year’ has another new title under his belt.
Business leader Chris Brindley has been awarded an MBE for services to sport in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
His dedication for helping others has seen him achieve an outstanding career in business, charity and sport.
Since his career started at NatWest in 1982 Chris has always ‘given something back to his local community’ that started with volunteering in sport, becoming a chairman of his local football club and progressing to the chair of GreaterSport, a position he held for 12 years.
GreaterSport is one of the UK’s leading charities which works with a range of Government Agencies and Local Authorities to deliver sport and physical activity to the population of the North West.
“The world of sport can learn a lot from the world of business,” said Chris, who lives in South Manchester with his wife and two children.
“The planning and execution that goes into running a successful business is exactly the same.”
As his career in banking progressed, becoming MD of NatWest and later MD of Metro Bank, so did his volunteering and he soon became involved with large sporting organisations, and with that stars of the sporting world.
“I started working with Switch the Play, a social enterprise that helps athletes transition from the sporting world into the world of work,” said Chris, who acts as a non-executive director for the Community Interest Company (CIC).
“We work with athletes after a life of sport, those who may have been injured, or not chosen for the Olympics and are not quite sure what to do next.
“Switch the Play offers support, advice, workshops and coaching and is ran by former athletes including Leon Lloyd (former professional Rugby Union international), Emma Mason (former international badminton player) and Beth Tweddle (Olympic medal winning gymnast).”
Chris is also a non-executive director of the Rugby Football League, Manchester Football Association, chair of Sport and Dance Holdings, chair of Move with Peppa, and earlier this year became a non-executive director of the Rugby Football League Would Cup 2021.
“England will be hosting the Rugby League World Cup in 2021,” said Chris.
“We have already started planning - looking at potential venues, education programmes, legacy programmes and have recently announced UNICEF as our charity partner; the BBC has confirmed it will show all the games live too which is wonderful news for the tournament and sport as a whole.
“It is a very exciting time for English rugby.”
It’s hard to believe that Chris ever has the chance to sit down but he admits: “When you love what you’re doing in life, you don’t count the days or minutes.”
Chris will receive his MBE at Buckingham Palace in October: “I am honoured and humbled,” said Chris.
“This award is in recognition of all the great people I have worked with.
“It is dedicated to lots of people, including my late mum who would have been hugely proud, she taught me about helping others from a very young age and it has stayed with me throughout my life,” he added.
Peter Way-Rider, tax manager at Ellis & Co added: “This is thoroughly deserved in view of the countless hours Chris has put in to help many causes over the years.
“All of us at Ellis & Co wish him the very best for the future.”