Spotlight on University Council member: Brian Lewis

In this month's spotlight, read about University Council member Brian Lewis and how he returned to sit on the Council after completing a BTEC at BNU when it was Buckinghamshire College of Further Education in 1999.

“I’ve lived in High Wycombe all my life and grew up in a council house in Micklefield, a working-class area where sadly I wasn’t alone in experiencing racism as a kid. I’m very grateful to my primary school teacher, Mr Green who set up a school chess club, open to everyone, which helped to break down some barriers. It didn’t matter about your background or gender, we were all learning the game together. Something about chess really clicked with me, I loved it. We turned out to be a pretty decent school team and I went on to play for High Wycombe and become a county champion. I was 12 when I was given the chance to play a chess grandmaster and couldn’t believe it when I won the match! 

“The chess club saw a really bright future for me, but my baby brother was born around the same time and I needed to help my mum more. I couldn’t make the club meetings and eventually I gave up chess. Sometimes life just takes over, although those four years remain a really important time and marked the start of another journey. During the covid lockdowns I wrote about those times for my three grown-up kids and was persuaded to publish a book called Checkmate: The Black Schoolboy Who Beat a Chess Grandmaster at 12. I have three grandchildren and I hope they enjoy reading it one day.

“It turned out my chess brain was also good at maths, and I knew I wanted to work with numbers. I first joined the BNU family back in the ‘80s when I completed the BTEC National Diploma in Business Studies at Buckinghamshire College of Further Education which went on to receive University College status in 1999. From there, I worked for Wycombe District Council and Ealing Council before a move to Hallmark Cards in Henley where I started studying for my accountancy exams. Before too long, I was back in Wycombe working for Dun and Bradstreet, one of the world's leading suppliers of business information and research, where I spent 10 years and passed my Chartered Institute of Management Accountants exams. I must be a glutton for punishment because I then went on to complete an MBA with the Open University. It’s fair to say those were some tough years juggling work, family and studying but education has always been a real priority for me.

“I spent the next 16 years working in London for Equifax, a global credit reference agency that collects and analyses financial information. After several finance roles, I moved to the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) team and was lucky to travel across the world with work. I really enjoyed it and got to see some amazing places – one highlight was walking across frozen lakes in Finland, just one of the many things I never thought I’d do!

“In 2018, I decided to leave Equifax and start freelancing but eventually realised that I was bored working on my own and missed having colleagues. And so, in March 2024 I started a new role as chief finance and operations officer for the Aspire Schools academy which operates from six sites across south Buckinghamshire. Our mission is to change the lives of more than 250 secondary school age pupils from key stages 3-5. It’s been a real and enjoyable learning curve for me, and I love being part of an such an inspiring team which received an Outstanding rating in its latest Ofsted inspection. 

“I’m also proud to be part of the 9,600-strong population of Black Caribbean and Black African community in High Wycombe. Making a difference has always been important to me and so in 2021, I became the chair of Wycombe Multicultural Organisation. We seek to foster strong community cohesion within the local area and our Hilltop Centre community venue promotes education, health and well-being. From ‘movers and shakers’ keep fit classes for older people to exam revision support for children, along with martial arts and social events including dominoes and bingo, there’s always something going on.

“We were surprised to see our community grow in the 2021 Census as many of our older members had passed away. We then realised that BNU does such a great job of welcoming people to its diverse group of students that many choose to make Wycombe their home when they graduate. We’re very grateful for that. Friends whose children and grandchildren study at BNU praise the support they receive both in and outside the teaching rooms. It’s a special place where lives are transformed.

“I'm also the secretary for Beaconsfield Town Youth Football Club. My boys used to play there many years ago and now one of my grandsons does as well. In the last 10 years we’ve doubled the youth section and have around 610 boys and girls playing for the club. It’s great to see the number of girls growing six-fold in the past three years and there’s lots more work to do there to keep those numbers up.

“I became involved with BNU again in 2022 when the University was looking for independent members to join its governing body who had experience of finance and M&A work. It was great to be back and see my journey go full circle. I probably wouldn't have become an accountant If I hadn’t studied for my BTEC at BNU. It all started there - I’ve progressed and done well in my career thanks to the education I received.

“It’s a pleasure to serve on the University Council, it’s very friendly and you’re made to feel really welcome. We have lots of engaging discussions and everyone gets the chance to take the floor and share their views. Like every other university, we have some challenges ahead and I hope I can play my part in helping to navigate any risks and be part of BNU’s successful future.    

“In November 2024, I took over heading up the audit and finance committees and I’m really looking forward to working with Damien Page, BNU’s new Vice-Chancellor when he assumes the role on 1^st February. He’s a decent guy and his working-class background means he can talk authentically to our students. Damien understands the issues many students face, he's been there and that really does help in a role like his.

“And the chess? Well, sometimes I play it with pupils at the Aspire schools. Just like Mr Green did, I give them advice on what moves to make and let them beat me to build their confidence. I did my bit for the game when I was younger, it was a happy time but I’ve got no regrets. Life’s turned out pretty well for that little lad from Micklefield. It’s been a really good journey so far and I’m excited for the chapters that lie ahead. Who knows, maybe there’s another book in me yet!”