Martin Jewell MBE: Obituary
We are very sad to report the passing of our founding Director and former Chairman, Martin Jewell MBE.
Martin played a fundamental part in establishing Enterprise Enfield in 1985 and served as a Director and Chairman on Enterprise Enfield’s Management Board on a voluntary basis for over 30 years, retiring from the role in 2015. During that period, the enterprise agency supported thousands of people to start and grow their own businesses, enabling them to establish a route to financial security for themselves and their families.
Martin was particularly instrumental in helping to pioneer a programme specifically to support women thinking of starting their own businesses in Enfield. In 2008, with the support of the RSA Trust, the Inspiring Women Start Up Programme was launched – and, over the past 19 years, the fully-funded programme, has gone on to empower over 450 women with the business skills, know-how and confidence to turn their ideas into viable and sustainable enterprises.
In addition to supporting Enterprise Enfield, Martin played a key part in establishing The RSA Trust in 2004, a charity which provides grants to help charitable organisations in Enfield and the wider area and benefits many local community groups and people. Since its inception, the charity has distributed millions of pounds to numerous good causes in Enfield and the wider Lee Valley area. Martin generously gave his time to support other Enfield based charities including: The Nightingale Cancer Support Centre, The Edmonton Eagles Amateur Boxing Club and The Children’s International Voices of Enfield.
In 2020 Martin Jewell, was awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to business start ups and charity in Enfield.
Enterprise Enfield CEO, Despina Johnson said, “We are deeply saddened by Martin’s passing. He was an exceptionally kind, supportive and knowledgeable man with a selfless drive to innovate and initiate for good causes. His work with Enterprise Enfield, particularly the championing and support of female entrepreneurship, together with his work with the RSA Trust, has undoubtedly transformed the lives of many people in Enfield. He will be sorely missed by everyone at Enterprise Enfield.”