Alex Timpson

Alex Timpson, born in 1946, was a self confessed teacher’s nightmare – preferring the sport and social side of school life to the classroom, but she gained sufficient O Levels to join Wellgarth College in London, where she trained to be a nursery nurse – the career she was following when she met and subsequently married husband John.

In 1978, Alex answered a local authority advert seeking new foster carers, and, with John fostered nearly 90 children over the next 29 years while bringing up 5 children of their own.

Outsiders have been unaware of the influence Alex has had on the Timpson business – she defiantly backed John against his fellow directors in the boardroom coup that ousted his father as Chairman in 1972. She pushed John all the way on his journey to a management buyout in 1983 and was instrumental in stopping the attempt to float the company in 1991 – a decision that in hindsight can only be described as ‘inspired’.

Today Alex is The White Eagle Chief Executive – having spotted the potential of a country pub – which, under her guidance, has seen its turnover grow from £200k to £1.2m in under 3 years – she has now added another pub in Rhosneigr to her portfolio.

Alex has played a vital role in the development of today’s Timpson business, but her MBE, received in The 2006 Birthday Honours, was awarded in recognition of her contribution as a foster carer – the values she has brought to family life have had a major influence on our family business.

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