Two of the UK’s most well-known voices in business and broadcasting – Brighton & Hove Albion Chair Tony Bloom MBE and LBC’s Nick Ferrari – took to the stage as guest speakers at Camp Simcha’s inaugural Business Dinner.

The event at South Hampstead Synagogue, [on Thursday January 22] attracted nearly 170 guests from the business world, raising £85,000 for the charity’s work supporting families with seriously ill children.

Welcoming guests, Business Committee Chair Alex Littner said: “This dinner – and the series of events we hope to build from it – comes from one simple idea: bringing together business leaders who care. People who want to use their networks, influence and experience to make a real difference, because there is no more important cause than supporting children who are seriously ill and the families who stand beside them through unimaginably difficult times.”

“We want these events to offer genuine value – to bring people together, to open new doors, spark new partnerships and explore issues that matter in today’s world.”

Those issues of today were front and centre of an insightful and candid discussion between the evening’s guest speakers.

Introducing Tony Bloom MBE, Nick Ferrari referenced him as ‘a man who has had as many jobs as Boris Johnson but the difference is he’s been successful’!

Exploring the reasons behind that success, Tony stressed the importance of having the right culture in business: “Successful companies have a great culture… it starts with the people and it also starts with the vision and values. You have to treat your people well, take them on the journey and be transparent with them… having a company with integrity, caring about the people and where they are going to go – because companies are successful or they fail based on the people who work there.”

Asked about whether he thought the Premier League will always stay the size it is, rather than having a spin-off ‘Super League’, Tony said: “I don’t see there being a Super League. I didn’t even see it when the ‘Big Six’ were talking. I thought they were completely naïve and I didn’t understand it all. It wouldn’t be allowed to happen by their fans, by the Government, by the FA… I think the Champions League may get a bigger over time but I don’t see a Super League.”

Guests also heard from Camp Simcha alumni parent and Business Committee member Gilon Hirshler, who spoke about the vital support the charity gave his family after his then five-year-old son Joshua was diagnosed with Stage IV Medulloblastoma during Covid, requiring brain surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

“From the minute we contacted Camp Simcha they were there to support us through the most incredibly difficult times,” said Gilon. “They became part of our family, stepping in and supporting us in so many ways… they also brought fun and laughter into our lives when there wasn’t much to smile about.

“The thoughtful events that they host for families, the children’s residential weekends and activities are delivered in such an inclusive way that everyone can participate.

“Camp Simcha supported Joshua every step of the way, giving him the confidence and self-esteem that had been taken away.

“And they did not forget our daughter Rebecca – they sent deliveries of food and games to keep her occupied. They arranged for a volunteer to be her Camp Simcha Big Sister. It provided Rebecca with an escape from the situation at home, and someone closer to her own age to talk to.

“Joshua has told us that the only good thing about him getting cancer is that he has been able to enjoy things with Camp Simcha…it is a unique charity that we are blessed with as a Jewish community.”

The evening was sponsored by solicitors Irwin Mitchell.