Office: 01789 414106
Mobile: 07710 016378
Fax: 01789 294690
Email: info@chrisswan.net
Blog:Read Chris' Blog
Linked In: Connect with Chris on Linkedin
Twitter: Follow Chris on Twitter
Testimonial
"The financial assistance I received from Young Cygnets and Chris Swan in 1998 was of enormous benefit to my career. It is notoriously difficult for young classical artists to continue their studies and compete in international competitions without such financial backing.
The support from Young Cygnets allowed me to continue focusing on building my career as a concert pianist, funding lessons in Paris and travel to an international competiton which in turn led to performances worldwide!" - David Quigley, Concert Pianist
"Chris set up Young Cygnets in 1998 as a charity to raise funds to support, and to provide a playing platform for, young up and coming musicians.
Funds were raised in a variety of ways including an annual ball at Kissingtree House, Chris's residence just outside of Stratford upon Avon.
One of the musicians we supported, through the provision of grant funding, was David Quigley a young Northern Irish pianist who at the time was studying at the Birmingham Conservatoire. David has subsequently gone on to perform all over the world at some of the most prestigious musical venues including Carnegie Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall. Young Cygnets made grants or awards to numerous musicians over it's 10 year life." - Chris Rawstron - Partner - DLA Piper
Chairman
Learning + Skills Council, Hereford and Worcestershire
The organisation is responsible for funding and planning education and training for people over 16 years of age. Aims are to raise participation and attainment through high-quality education and training, putting learners first. The Council employs 84 people, with an annual budget of over £100m. Retired in 2005.
Board Member
West Midlands Industrial Development Board
Sponsored by Advantage West Midlands, this board has an annual budget of £100m. It is accountable for matched investment into companies in regeneration areas, who can demonstrate that this investment will lead to additional job creation. Retired in 2005.
DTI Working Group
Improving share liquidity for smaller quoted companies
Participated in a working group whose remit was ‘examining the increased role of the private investor in supporting smaller quoted companies and the practical approach that can be taken to attract, retain and communicate with such shareholders’.
DTI Working Group
Creating quality dialogue between smaller quoted companies and fund managers
Participated in a working group which arrived to find ways of encouraging the financial community to put programmes in place, which will educate SQC managers about effective communication with the City.
Founder
Young Cygnets
A charity formed to support the development of gifted young musicians, from Conservatoire to Concert Hall. The first musician the charity helped, performed a solo concert in Carnegie Hall in November 2002. Other musicians supported have had roles in orchestras and West End theatre shows.
Supporter
The War Widows Association of Great Britain
An organisation giving advice, help and support to all war widows and dependents.
Chairman
Warwick Hospital ‘Accident and Emergency Appeal’
A £900,000 public appeal launched to supplement £820,000 received from the government’s regional Accident and Emergency modernisation fund. The appeal total passed the £1m mark and enabled the local A&E unit to be built.
Supporter
Cancer Research
Completed a sponsored cycle ride from Lands End to John O’Groats. The 925 miles were covered in ten and a half days and £30k was raised for the charity.
- Honorary Doctorate – University of Central England, for exceptional entrepreneurial skills.
- Europe’s 500 – Under the patronage of the European Commission - Europe’s top job creator 1992 – 1999. ‘For ingenuity, hard work, perseverance and a capacity for innovation; having shaped a successful and growing business, with a continued significance to the creation of new employment’
- Financial Times/Coopers & Lybrand – Entrepreneur of the Year
- Businessman Of The Year – Variety Club of Great Britain Award
- Venturer Of The Year - Best small management buyout. Award sponsored by The British Venture Capital Association.
- Young Businessman Of The Year – Variety Club of Great Britain Award