Lord John Bird

John Bird is an award-winning social entrepreneur and life peer who has pioneered change in tackling homelessness throughout his incredible career. As the founder of The Big Issue, John has had extensive involvement in politics, influencing policies on homelessness, social entrepreneurship and poverty. A truly visionary businessman, the impact of John's career is felt across sectors, making him a valuable speaker for a range of demographics, and his personal story from struggle to success acts as an inspiration to all in attendance.

School exclusions, homelessness and incarceration made up much of John's early years; however, in 1991, he decided his own destiny when he founded The Big Issue, a weekly street paper sold by mainly homeless or vulnerable vendors, offering them the opportunity to earn an income through selling the magazine. Four years later, The Big Issue Foundation was born, now known as The Big Issue Changing Lives, further providing aid to those in less fortunate positions. In 1996, George Michael gave his first press interview in six years to The Big Issue, raising the circulation and reputation of the magazine. Now operating in 34 countries and 24 languages,The Big Issue, and its branch Big Issue Invest, have invested over £30 million into social enterprises. From 2007, he acted as a Social Enterprise Ambassador that supported work in the field, backed by the government, until 2010. 

For his essential work, driven by the desire to help others, in 1995, John was appointed MBE for his services to homeless people; 20 years later, he took the position of a non-party-political ‘people’s peer’ and became a Life Peer in 2015 as Baron Bird of Notting Hill, becoming Vice-Chair of the Groups on Poverty, Ending Homelessness and Social Enterprise. Named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young 2008, John has also received a number of honorary doctorates, was voted by the public London’s Living Legend in 2004, was inducted into the Professional Publishers' Association Hall of Fame in 2018 and received the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs' Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. John is the author of several books, from his autobiography 'Some Luck' detailing his journey from the Notting Hill slums, several self-help books including 'How to Change Your Life in 7 Steps', to his debut novel, 'Do You Sincerely Want to Smash Capitalism and Have a Full Sex Life?'

For businesses seeking advice on how they can offer more, beyond the desire to make profit, and audiences looking for motivation to pursue their own social endeavours, John Bird is one of the most high-profile, inspirational speakers available, the embodiment of the rags-to-riches narrative, with a selfless twist. Drawing from his own experiences, John resonates across audiences for his authentic and driven nature.