Charity
Giving plasma again: every donation changes lives
Paul Cadman gave plasma again in Birmingham, and explains why every donation matters.
12 September 2026
Professor Paul Cadman
Paul Cadman is a Birmingham entrepreneur, group chief executive and professor of entrepreneurship. He builds businesses that create jobs, and he also gives his time to good causes across the West Midlands. So what drives him? In short, his motto: connect enthusiastically, give relentlessly and lead bravely.
300+
plasma donations with NHS Blood and Transplant
6
brands and events in One Thousand Trades Group
2023
IoD Non-Executive Director of the Year
2021
Birmingham Awards – Male Brummie of the Year
Meet Paul Cadman
~Paul Cadman grew up in Bordesley Green, and then learned to trade on Birmingham’s markets. Because of undiagnosed dyslexia, he left school unable to read or write. Even so, he went on to serve with West Midlands Fire Service, build businesses and teach at Birmingham City University.
Today he leads One Thousand Trades Group, a family of businesses in public affairs, events, recruitment and technology. He also chairs Birmingham Youth Sports Academy and supports charities across the city. Above all, one simple belief links it all: Imagine a world where your benefit to others is the measure of success, rather than the accumulation of wealth.
Awards and recognition for Paul Cadman
Business, civic and community bodies have all recognised the work of Paul Cadman, for example with these awards. You can also see the full list of awards and honours.
2025
200th plasma donation, marked by NHS Blood and Transplant
2023
Non-Executive Director of the Year, Institute of Directors
2022
Outstanding Citizens Award, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner
2022
Honorary doctorate, Birmingham City University
2021
Male Brummie of the Year, Birmingham Awards
2021
Chair’s Award for Excellence, IoD Midlands Director of the Year Awards
What people say about Paul Cadman
Business leaders, charities and colleagues have also shared what it is like to work with Paul Cadman. In fact, each quote below first appeared as a recommendation on LinkedIn.
How Paul Cadman creates impact
Paul’s work spans four connected areas, because each one supports the others. Together with his events, they aim to create jobs, build skills and strengthen communities across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Business leadership
As Group CEO of One Thousand Trades Group, Paul leads firms in public affairs, events, recruitment and tech. You can also explore the Group and its brands.
Employment and skills
Paul backs practical routes into work. For example, Starting Point Recruitment gives a portion of its profits to employment support.
Academic work
Paul teaches business from lived experience, so students hear about failure as well as success. You can also read about his academic roles.
Community and charity
From youth sport to plasma donation, Paul also gives time and leadership to causes across the city. In 2025, for example, he made his 200th plasma donation.
300+
plasma donations
Events that connect the region
The Group also runs flagship events. Each one brings business, research and government together, so that good ideas turn into real partnerships.
Life Sciences Week
A week of events where researchers, clinicians, investors and firms meet, so that the region’s life sciences sector can grow. You can also read about Life Sciences Week.
Defence Procurement Conference
A focused event that helps small firms meet defence buyers, prime contractors and policymakers. Find out more about the conference, too.
The Innovation Awards
UK awards that celebrate people and firms who turn new ideas into products, services and jobs. You can also read more about AI and innovation.
Latest news from Paul Cadman
Read updates on Paul’s business, charity and community work, as well as press coverage and articles.
Community
Celebrating Romania Blouse Day in Birmingham
Paul Cadman joined friends of the Romanian community at the Romanian Consulate in Birmingham for Romania Blouse Day.
28 June 2026
Leadership
When your team has delivered, and it’s time to step up again
Moving from operational delivery to organisational excellence, and why no leader advances alone.
19 May 2026
Work with Paul Cadman
Paul welcomes enquiries about partnerships, speaking and board roles, so please get in touch.