LUCY WOMACK
CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
Lucy became Chair of Trustees in March 2022, having served since 2013. She previously worked in employee development and financial consultancy before transitioning to primary education and governance. Now a public school trustee, she also leads the Scholarship programme at STWLC. Lucy finds it rewarding to help young people access opportunities they never imagined. “Seeing candidates grow from their first interview to university admission is a great thrill,” she says.
SARAH HOPE
Operations Manager & Clerk to Trustees
Sarah joined STWLC in 2018, bringing over 20 years of charity sector experience. As Operations Manager and Clerk to the Trustees, she manages applications from initial inquiry to funding, liaises with borrowers, and serves as Secretary to the Board. She also sits on interview panels for prospective borrowers. “The best part of my role is meeting applicants and hearing about their successes,” she says. To contact Sarah, email sarah.hope@stwcharity.co.uk or call 0116 204 6620.
ANNE WHITLOCK
TRUSTEE
Anne became a Trustee in 2015. With a background in magazine publishing and school marketing, she helps to promote STWLC. She also works with independent schools in Leicestershire and Rutland to support the STWLC Scholarship Programme, which provides bright children from lower-income families with top-tier education. “Interviewing candidates is the best part,” says Anne. “Meeting ambitious young people on the brink of life is a privilege, and we strive to make the process welcoming.”
AMMO KHAN
TRUSTEE
Ammo has been a Trustee since March 2015. He has owned and managed an International Fashion Design and Manufacturing business for 25 years, specialising in Supply Chain Management, and is responsible for all Business Administration. His other roles within the Charity include being Chairman of the Grants Committee and responsible for organising grant funding for businesses in the Leicestershire region. For Ammo, the most enjoyable part of being a Trustee is: “Saying yes to giving out a loan or a grant!”
SUE CLEMINSON
TRUSTEE
HR specialist Sue became a Trustee in November 2019. Director of HR consultancy Cleminson & Cleminson Consulting, Sue has worked in HR ever since she left university. Individually, Sue had worked for a number of large PLCs, but in 2011 started her own business, which now has UK and international clients. “I enjoy working with the other Trustees to make the Charity as visible as possible, because I think that it’s a brilliant opportunity for people,” says Sue.
GREG HOLLINGSWORTH
TRUSTEE
Solicitor Greg was named a Trustee of the Charity in November 2019. Greg studied Law at the University of Leicester. He then joined a law firm in 1992 and qualified there in 1994. In 2000, Greg set up his own business and that has evolved into the business that he’s involved with now (Hollingsworths). “Going out and visiting the people that have benefited is not only interesting, but very rewarding too,” says Greg.
SAM PURVIS
TRUSTEE
Having worked in a variety of roles, from commercial to senior operational management and from talent development to employment law and HR, Sam started her own company and has spent the last 20 years as Managing Director of The Compass Partnership, and recently became a Trustee of the Charity in 2024. “Being part of STWLC really does feel like a privilege and being able to help so many people is incredible – I cannot wait to help spread the word,” Sam says.
GAU NAIK
TRUSTEE
Business Advisor Gau became a Trustee of STWLC in June 2014. He studied Engineering at Loughborough and Brunel University before earning an MBA at Loughborough. With experience in multinationals and SMEs across strategy, marketing, and finance, he has co-founded businesses and spent 15 years advising startups and growth companies. “I love engaging with entrepreneurs and feel privileged to support a charity that helps individuals achieve their business dreams,” says Gau.
LINDA NEVILLE
TRUSTEE
Linda spent 26 years in the NHS, starting as a mental health nurse before moving into senior leadership and becoming an Operational Director. Since 2011, she has built a business providing Expert Witness reports for Court and runs SanaMente, a private clinic helping people create lasting change. “My career has focused on empowering people,” says Linda. “This feels like the final piece—supporting them financially to achieve their dreams.”
PARMDEEP VADESHA
TRUSTEE
Parmdeep became a Trustee in 2022. After studying finance, he founded a successful software and consulting business in Leicester, leading to ventures in property investment and development. He has launched and invested in numerous businesses. Living in Stoneygate with his wife and two children, he enjoys contract bridge and badminton in his spare time. "As an entrepreneur, I’ve faced business ups and downs, which helps me understand our borrowers' journeys. I always look forward to meeting them and listening to their stories."
DAVID HOPE
TRUSTEE
STWLC Trustee David achieved a degree at Loughborough University in 1980 and pursued an accountancy career, qualifying in 1984. In 1986, he joined Clear & Lane Chartered Accountants and eventually became senior partner. The business was sold in 2019 as he moved towards retirement. David has been particularly involved in the interview process for loan applicants with business proposals and is also a member of the grants committee, selecting good business causes for business grant applications.
IVAN COURT
TRUSTEE
Ivan Court, Chartered Manager and Fellow of the Chartered Managers Institute, has spent most of his career in construction management, specialising in timber engineering. As a director in leading firms, he led successful projects worldwide. A licensed pilot and former instructor, Ivan chaired the Leicestershire Aero Club for nine years. He is also a Trustee of STWLC: “I am delighted to be part of a charity giving a helping hand to budding entrepreneurs who will hopefully become the future backbone of our economy,” Ivan says.
PAUL MURRAY
TRUSTEE
LISA BOTTERILL
TRUSTEE
