James Timpson

James Timpson (Baron Timpson of Manley, OBE) is Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, and was previously Chief Executive of the Timpson Group for twenty-two years. His book, The Happy Index: Lessons in Upside-Down Management (2024), was a Sunday Times bestseller.

As CEO of the Timpson Group, he helped the business grow to over 2,100 shops and pioneered the recruitment of ex-offenders. He has served as Chair of the Prison Reform Trust and supports various prison charities and support groups. He was presented with an OBE in 2011 for the training and employment of disadvantaged people. He is also a Tate Trustee, a Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire and an Albert Medal winner from the RSA.

He lives in Cheshire with his wife Roisin and their 3 children.