200th blood plasma donation by Walsall business leader

A Black Country business leader is today making his 200th donation of blood plasma – a substance known as ‘liquid gold’ due to its life-saving properties.

Professor Paul Cadman, chief executive of Starting Point Recruitment in Walsall, has been donating since the late 1980s – carrying on a family tradition started by his late father, Ron, who gave blood for 50 years.

The Importance of Blood Plasma and Its Uses

Plasma is the part of human blood that carries platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells around the body.

It makes up approximately 55% of a person’s blood and contains infection-fighting antibodies known as immunoglobulins, which are made into medicines to help people with rare diseases, immune disorders and genetic conditions.

A Family Tradition of Donating for Generations

Paul, making his 200th donation today (24 June) at 4 pm at the Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre on New Street, said:

“My motto for business and life in general is: ‘Imagine a world where your benefit to others is the measure of success rather than the accumulation of wealth.’

“I’ve been blessed with good health, which has made me able to give plasma. I get emotional when I think about how this small thing for me has had such a life-changing impact on so many people, most of whom I’ll never know.

“They say it’s better to give than to receive. That’s certainly true in my case, and I would encourage everyone who can join me in donating either blood, plasma or platelets because the need is big and growing.”

Plasma Donation: How It Works and Why It Matters

Unlike donated blood, donated plasma does not have to be matched to the recipient’s blood type. Donated plasma builds the recipient’s antibodies and can be used, for example, to support cancer treatments, protect pregnancies and help babies’ hearts to continue to beat.

NHS Blood and Transplant Praises Lifesaving Donors

Gerry Gogarty, Director of Plasma for Medicines at NHS Blood and Transplant, said:

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Paul for his commitment to donating and saving lives. His continued and unwavering support and ability to raise awareness of plasma donation are truly exceptional.

“Paul’s encouragement to sign up local members of the community to become donors has also been very important. His efforts have been instrumental in our donor centre collecting over 7,000 litres of plasma last year.

“Thanks to donors like Paul, we have been able to start providing UK plasma medicines to NHS patients this year for the first time in 25 years. I cannot over-emphasise the good that becoming a donor will do for those who need plasma and blood. You will quite literally become a lifesaver.”

NHS Blood and Transplant has three plasma donor centres nationwide – in Twickenham, Reading and Birmingham.

How to Get Involved in Plasma Donation

Mark Bailey, Birmingham Plasma Donor Centre Manager, said:

“Paul is a regular here at the Birmingham plasma centre – a big man with a big heart who is committed to giving back to his community. On behalf of all the people whose lives have been improved or saved by your donations over the years, thank you.”

Donors can give plasma every two weeks, and NHS Blood and Transplant is calling for more people to come forward.

Plasma donation takes around 35 minutes. The process involves taking blood out of a vein and removing the plasma from it before returning it into the vein.

Special thank you for man’s 200th plasma donation

A man who was making his 200th donation of blood plasma was surprised with a special thank you.

Paul Cadman, a former firefighter from Birmingham, first gave blood almost four decades ago and said his job inspired him to donate plasma after he witnessed its “immediate benefits” to patients at the scenes of fires.

Meeting a Life Saved: Michelle’s Emotional Thank You

People like Michelle from Coventry, who received life-saving plasma after she was diagnosed with a rare condition a couple of years ago, are among the many he has helped.

The pair met at the Birmingham donor centre on Tuesday, where she expressed her gratitude to Mr Cadman.

“Over a week, I had 150 units of plasma, so without people like you, I wouldn’t be here today,” Michelle said.

She was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare disease related to blood clotting, and needed a donation at very short notice to keep her alive.

Mr Cadman said he was among thousands of “dedicated donors” who supported those in need.

“You do come into the centre and see regular faces, so it’s a little bit of community.”

A Family Tradition of Giving Back

The former firefighter added that it was his father’s commitment to blood donation that had originally led to his generosity and recalled him proudly wearing a blood donation badge.

“Dad used to give blood regularly, I think he did it for about 50 years, and you tend to follow in your father’s footsteps.

“Also, there’s a bit of civic pride, this is what we do in Birmingham, we give back,” Mr Cadman added.

He said it only took about 45 minutes to donate and encouraged more people to head to a donor centre.

“You walk out and think we’ve done something pretty good, we’ve made a difference and saved people’s lives.

“What a great satisfaction to have,” Mr Cadman added.

Paul Cadman & One Thousand Trades Group Host Charity Fundraiser

On Saturday, the One Thousand Trades Group hosted an extraordinary event at Moseley Rugby Club. With over 350 invited guests filling the venue, the gathering aimed to raise funds for Fisher House—a remarkable charity dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured service personnel at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Through the collective generosity of attendees, we successfully raised over £9,000 to support this vital cause.

Distinguished Guests and Dignitaries in Attendance

The event was graced by an outstanding lineup of dignitaries and special guests, including Deputy Lieutenant Dr Beverly Lindsay, OBE, recipient of the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican Government; Deputy Lieutenant Ninder Johal; Mihaela Savu, Consulate General of Romania; Mr Darlington Chisango, Zimbabwean senior diplomat; the Lord Mayor, Councillor Ken Wood, and Lady Mayoress Barbara Wood (fondly referred to as Ken & Barbie); Councillor Ian Ward, celebrated for delivering the Commonwealth Games and securing major events like the European Athletics Championships and Invictus Games in the region; Former MP and Minister for Energy Amanda Solloway; Former MP Gary Sambrook; and PC Rani Gundhu QPM.

Special Thanks to Hosts and Donors

Special thanks go to our exceptional host, Tim Stimpson—an accomplished rugby legend who played for Leicester, England, and the British Lions—and Chief of Staff, Amy Deakin, for their outstanding leadership throughout the day. We would also like to express our gratitude to Stuart Cain for donating the signed England cricket bat, Rob Margerison for his contribution of the England Rugby shirt signed by Ollie Chessum, and Derek Vinning, MD (fondly known as Vinnie), for generously providing the signed Birmingham City football shirt. Additionally, thanks to Ray Halfpenny for his thoughtful donation of hospitality in the Garrison Suite for the last game of the season. A special mention goes to Arron Wincott from Hotel du Vin for the outstanding auction prize that raised the most money on the day. Each auction and raffle prize played a pivotal role in helping us achieve such an impressive total.

The Moseley rugby team added to the excitement with a sensational performance, defeating Darlington Mowden Park 69–14—a memorable triumph for the club and a highlight of the day!

This event was one of many efforts to raise awareness and support for the Invictus Games, which Birmingham will host in 2027—a testament to the city’s dedication to fostering community and supporting global initiatives.

Heartfelt Thanks to All Supporters and Attendees

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the volunteers from Fisher House, the amazing staff at Moseley Rugby Club, our sponsors, and every individual who attended. Your energy and support made this event truly unforgettable. Together, we made a meaningful difference, and we look forward to keeping the spirit of generosity alive. If you attended and have any memorable moments to share, we’d love to hear them!

The Vital Role of the 3rd Sector, in Fostering Our Economy and Society

In a time when the lines between private and non-profit sectors are becoming increasingly blurred, the third sector—comprising non-profits, charities and social enterprises—plays a role in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges.

The Third Sector’s Economic Value in the UK

The charity sector on its own is valued at over £20 billion to the UK economy and there are around 900,000 jobs within the industry; it’s a significant part of the UK economy.

In 2022 the combined value of volunteering and donations came to £23bn, representing 0.8% of total UK GDP. The £23bn figure is larger than the sports and gambling sector (£18.4bn), and the UK tourism industry (£2.3bn), combined.

My Commitment to Supporting the Third Sector

As someone deeply committed to this cause I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved with organisations that actively contribute to the betterment of our economy and society.

More Than Support: A Catalyst for Social Change

The third sector is not simply an auxiliary to the government and business sectors; it serves as a force for change, innovation and social transformation. Its impact goes beyond numbers; it’s about creating a more inclusive, caring and prosperous society for everyone. So let’s explore how the third sector collaborates with individuals and leaders like myself to make a difference.

Tackling Unemployment Through the Third Sector

Unemployment continues to be an issue in our society that affects individuals and communities on a scale. The third sector takes a role in addressing this challenge by providing employment support services, developing skills and boosting the confidence of those who’re unemployed. I’ve had the privilege of serving as Chairman of Steps To Work Board and Starting Point Recruitment before taking on the role of Interim CEO in April this year.

More info

Futura boss named as head of Sandwell Business Ambassadors programme

Automotive specialist Paul Cadman has been named as the chairman of a new Business Ambassadors programme aimed at boosting the fortunes of the Black Country.

Business Leaders Unite to Shape the Region’s Economic Future

Paul Cadman, managing director for design, technical recruitment and prototyping experts Futura Group, will head up Sandwell Business Ambassadors, which brings together leading business figures to drive inward investment.

The group – featuring personalities from the manufacturing, construction and food processing sectors – will focus on building the area’s strengths to help shape the future vision for growing the local economy.

Each ambassador has been chosen as they are synonymous with the region, and will participate in a range of activities with SMEs to share their expertise, guidance and knowledge through a series of master classes.

Paul Cadman’s Vision for Sandwell and the Black Country

Cadman explained: “Sandwell is growing in confidence and increasingly dynamic and diverse.

“We have many economic strengths, a solid skills base and a council that is very supportive in their thinking…the talent and personalities of this group will drive it forward, unlock its potential and create jobs.”

Futura Group’s Continued Success and Local Investment

Futura Group is one of the area’s fastest growing businesses, seeing sales soar past the £25m mark for the first time in its history in 2015.

It recently secured £3m of contracts to supply bespoke design services to Bentley; Jaguar Land Rover; VW Group, and McLaren – creating 50 new jobs in the process.

This has helped it fund major investment across its two studios in Oldbury and Warwickshire, equipping it with three paint booths, a 5-axis large bed CNC machine, and dedicated trim and body departments.

Cadman, who was also recently named in The Manufacturer’s Top 100, concluded: “We are passionate about our Black Country roots and my roles in the Ambassadors programme and at the local Chamber will ensure the region is well represented when it comes to attracting inward investment.”

EmployabilityUK Announce Paul Cadman as the Charity’s First Patron

EmployabilityUK was founded in 2014 by Diane Vernon (CEO) and Desna McAll, and aims to facilitate employer engagement to enhance the aspirations, opportunities and career prospects of enthusiastic and committed young people.

As an education charity, they believe the best way to bring sustainable employer engagement and first class professional employability skills to schools, colleges and youth organisations is by working with them to understand their individual needs and the aspirations of their learners and their parents. They offer support and fresh ideas, ensuring they can offer the very best employability skills training with practical experience.

Industry Expertise and Passion

Paul Cadman brings a wealth of business connections to EmployabiltyUK, with a proven track record across many commercial sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, legal and recruitment, he certainly knows what employability skills are needed to be successful. More importantly, he is passionate about improving life chances for young people and is committed to helping especially disadvantaged young people to seize the opportunities to get on the first rung of the ladder to success.

A Successful Partnership with Coventry Building Society

In 2016, the charity was chosen to design and deliver an employability skills programme for Coventry Building Society as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility commitment. Due to its success, the programme has now entered its third year and Diane said “building on the Coventry model, we want to create similar programmes for businesses in the Black Country and have looked long and hard to find a Patron with the right skills and network to help us get traction across the region. We certainly believe we have found this in Paul.”

Keith Fraser, Chair of Trustees and recently retired senior officer with West Midlands Police, formally welcomed Paul onboard at a recent meeting of the Black Country Steering Group held at Wolverhampton Science Park.

Keith said:

“I’m pleased that Paul has agreed to join our charity and we hope that with his business knowledge and great influence, he can help us to continue to grow our presence throughout the West Midlands and beyond. To find someone who shares the charity’s aspirations for growth and the willingness to help others is a great asset to EmployabilityUK.”

Paul Cadman’s Vision for Supporting Social Mobility

Paul said of his recent appointment:

“I am delighted to be supporting EmployabilityUK at an exciting time in the charity’s growth.

The work they are doing to help transform young people’s lives is impressive; It gets to the very heart of the issues of social mobility at a time when there are so many young people who are too far away from the labour market. Their work is more important now than ever.

I enjoyed meeting the team and I am looking forward to making a big difference in the Black Country and across the wider region.”