Leaving a legacy: from phones to property and philanthropy

If you’ve read my book Love, Pain and Money: The Making of a Billionaire, you’ll know that, business-wise, I’m best known for my work in the mobile phones sector, including the high-street chain Phones 4U.

But Phones 4U is not the only thing I want to be remembered for. I aim to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come, mainly through my philanthropy, but also by creating amongst the most beautiful residences in the world.

My Giving Pledge commitment to donate 70% of my wealth to the most worthy and vital causes, including Caudwell Children and Caudwell Youth , is incredibly important to me. In a future newsletter, I’ll cover more of my philanthropic endeavours.

But in this edition, I want to introduce you to some of the magnificent residences I’m developing.

With my property company Caudwell , I set out to create a super-prime luxury property portfolio that is simply unmatched – bold and beautiful buildings in iconic destinations that will stand the test of time.

Here are three of those stunning addresses.

Le Proven?al

In Antibes in the South of France, we’re restoring an iconic landmark, Le Proven?al. It’s a creation of art deco beauty.

It has been described as the ‘epicentre of glamour’ in decades past – when, as a hotel, Le Provencal hosted royalty, politicians, musicians and Hollywood A-listers, including the likes of Chaplin and Churchill, McCartney and Monroe.

Having cycled past it for years, I’d always loved the building – it was derelict for decades but still oozed faded grandeur.

Bringing it back to its former glory - with 39 new super-prime luxury residences, cinema, spa, restaurant, retail boutiques and landscaped gardens – is a labour of love.

It’s a world-class development – and something I’m incredibly proud of. For a closer look, watch this video on my Instagram channel and read this recent article from The National.

Domaine de la Belle étoile

Not far from Le Proven?al, we’ve also created the ultimate French Riviera private estate. Translated, its name is Domain of the Beautiful Star – and it really is appropriately named.

With its magnificently landscaped gardens and stunning villas, there is attention to detail in every element of its design and build, and all this is situated in one of the most prestigious locations on the whole coastline, in Cap d’Antibes, overlooking Port de L’Olivette and right next to the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.

Get a sneak peek at Belle étoile’s beautiful gardens on LinkedIn here and a few shots of its interior on Instagram here.

1 Mayfair

You may have seen my appearance on Netflix 's ‘Buying London’, when Daniel Daggers visited the building site of Caudwell 's 1 Mayfair development. This project, more than ten years in the planning, has made fast progress since that filming day.

It is in the heart of Mayfair village, the quietest and most beautiful part of Mayfair which, in itself, is the most desirable part of London.?

When I envisaged this development, I saw a Grand Mayfair masterpiece – and I had to work with masters of their crafts to realise it.

The seven-storey development is designed in partnership with the esteemed New York architect Robert A.M Stern and his team ( RAMSA | Robert A.M. Stern Architects ) – they’re incredible – and every element of the architecture and interior design of the building is being crafted to impeccably high standards.

Here’s a short video?to convey the size and scale of this epic undertaking, transforming a site that was once a car park into the ultimate in luxury living.

I regularly post updates on these and other properties in my LinkedIn feed. Be sure to follow.

You can find out more and enquire about all three developments via Caudwell’s website: www.caudwell.com

Cheering on England’s lions

As the dust settles on Euro 2024, it felt only right to include a heartfelt mention in this edition of Caudwell Chronicles.

I watched the game with family – including a very enthusiastic William (see his ‘coming home’ chanting on Instagram) - and although the result wasn’t what any of us wanted, we should feel proud of the team’s achievement in getting to a second successive Euros final. I know I certainly do.

Just yesterday, Gareth Southgate announced he was stepping down as England manager. Whatever your opinion of him, the statistics suggest he has taken England forward substantially over the years.

Being a manager or a leader isn’t easy. Especially when there is so much spotlight on you.

Leaders have to make difficult and important decisions that ultimately shape outcomes. Whether it’s on a football pitch, or in the boardroom.

And it’s impossible to get all of them right.

But one thing you can always control is the way you conduct yourself – and you must, because that influences those around you.

Great leaders lead with integrity and inspire their teams. Even in the face of adversity. And that’s a lesson I think everyone can take away from the last few weeks.

We came so close. Next time?

Let me know what you think about the decision in the comments.