Hamish is an entrepreneur who has founded several successful businesses throughout his career.
He was awarded his CBE in 2011 for services to business and the community in York.
Early Life
Hamish’s passion for heritage skills and music was borne from his days as a Chorister at Salisbury Cathedral. As a young boy, he was fascinated by the work undertaken in the stonemasons’ yard.
He was awarded a Choral Exhibition to Cranleigh School where his enthusiasm for choral music continued. At the age of 18, he left the UK; his father gave him £50 at Euston Station and didn't see him again for a year.
Hamish joined the Norwegian Merchant Navy, which took him to work across Canada. From here, he joined a ship in the German Merchant Navy, leading him to travel and work across the Pacific. Hamish then returned to the UK, attending the University of Manchester, where he studied Management Sciences and graduated in 1970.
Career
Hamish has had an extensive business career, spanning four decades and five start-ups. In 1980, he founded one of the world’s largest card protection organisations; it floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2010 and reached a valuation of more than £530m.
In 2000, Hamish was awarded the Ernst & Young ‘Entrepreneur of the Year – Financial Services’ award. The following year, he was named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year by the University of Manchester.
Philanthropy
In recent years, Hamish has significantly expanded his philanthropic efforts to support disadvantaged young people and underserved communities in the United Kingdom and around the world. Committed to donating his fortune during his lifetime, he focuses his giving on three core areas: health, heritage skills and music. His approach is driven by a desire to tackle critical challenges that remain unmet, helping to bridge the gap between those in need and the resources required to support them.
Across Health, Hamish supports pioneering research initiatives addressing both global and domestic challenges, ranging from snakebite treatment to hypertension and cardiovascular disease in low-income countries. In Heritage Skills, he is deeply committed to preserving and passing on traditional crafts through large-scale apprenticeship programmes, enabling thousands of young people to gain meaningful employment while safeguarding vital skills for future generations. Through Music, Hamish champions access and participation, including support for initiatives such as the National Schools Singing Programme, which introduces high-quality music education to children regardless of background.
Since 2008, Hamish has donated £70 million (adjusted for inflation) and continues actively to expand his giving, with a long-term vision focused on lasting impact and benefit for generations to come.
Other Interests
Beyond business, philanthropy and the arts, Hamish has an eclectic range of interests, including vintage cars and hot-air ballooning.
He is the proud owner of five of the only remaining Ogston Deemsters, which he actively maintains and races. The Ogston Motor Company only made a few hundred Deemsters, all between 1912 and 1924.
In 2014, his cars were the centrepiece of a special service to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the consecration of Liverpool Cathedral, and they were blessed by the Dean of Liverpool.
The Deemsters often appear along with Hamish’s hot air balloon and, while the opportunity to fly does not come around often, he enormously enjoys the occasion.
Blessing of the Ogston Deemsters at Liverpool Cathedral