MIKE CLARE
About Mike
Mike is a passionate serial entrepreneur, probably best known as the previous Founder, Chairman and CEO of Dreams Plc which he founded in 1987 growing it to over 200 superstores before successfully selling out in March 2008 (timing is everything!).
Mike is also an investor in several other businesses (as a local ‘Dragon') plus offers short-term business loans through
Stable Ventures Ltd specialising in smaller (or start-up)
businesses in the property and retail sectors.
Bijou Living Ltd is Mike's property company which develops and converts vacant commercial properties (mostly offices) into 'Smart' residential apartments.
Mike supports many philanthropic organisations including Outward Bound, The Kings Trust, Child Bereavement UK, Heart of Bucks, The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers plus several others as well as running his own charity ' The Clare Foundation' (see charities).
Mike married Julie in June 2021, he has 4 children (now all grown up) and still lives in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire where he was born and bred. He is heavily involved in the county helping and mentoring local businesses and entrepreneurs and is often heard on the speaker circuit, lecturing and advising students and businessmen alike. Mike is an Ambassador and Deputy-Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire, a Freeman of the City of London, as well as a winner of numerous entrepreneurial awards. In 2009 Mike was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Bucks New University in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of commerce and entrepreneurship.
Sadly, Mike was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in December 2024 and has recently undergone a Stem Cell Transplant and Chemotherapy to keep this 'pesky' cancer at bay. With Mike's fighting spirit and advances in medical science, he hopes to be in remission for many years to come.
