Ben Jones Chair Expand Since September 2025, Ben has been the Chair of the Greater Manchester Steering Group, having joined the group in 2023. He is a director at Key Capital Partners. He has been involved in corporate finance for over 15 years, building a strong track record across the private equity and investment banking landscape nationally. As Chair of the Steering Group, Ben leads the small but highly influential network of business and education leaders, providing Access Sport with invaluable support, helping us expand our networks, raise funds, and amplify our profile in Greater Manchester. Outside of work, Ben is a keen golfer, a retired below-average footballer and has recently jumped on the Padel bandwagon. He is married with a young daughter. Ben Jones, LinkedIn
Andy Phillips Expand Andy is a partner at one of the biggest law firms in the world, specialising in mergers and acquisitions and investment work, working with businesses in the North West, the UK and further afield. As a sports obsessive, Andy has played various sports such over the years and in particular hockey and golf, all to a decent standard but has always been a jack of all trades and a master of none…. It is this passion for sport that attracted Andy to Access Sport and to the opportunity to make a difference to young people and give them a chance to participate in sport, when they would not otherwise have the opportunity to do so. "Sport has given me so much, I think this it's really important for everyone to get the opportunity to get the same of out of it as I have". Andy Phillips, LinkedIn
George Bullivant Expand George is a Corporate Finance Advisor specialising in technology-focused M&A at Clearwater with ten years of experience working with entrepreneurs and private equity-backed businesses. He is a Chartered Accountant and before his current role, was an M&A advisor at EY, working across a range of sectors. George is passionate about inclusivity and has observed the transformation that sport can bring to the lives of young people particularly those living with a disability or from a disadvantaged background. He has been involved with Access Sport since 2022 and currently sits on the regional steering committee. George Bullivant, LinkedIn
Katherine Cleary Youth Advocate Expand Katherine is an Assistant Manager within Deloitte Sports Business Group, where she specializes in sport regulation and governance. She recently completed her CIMA qualification. Prior to joining the Manchester Steering Group, Katherine spent three years as part of Access Sport’s National Youth Board, including two years as Vice-Chair. Outside of work, Katherine is an ambassador for Slow Run Club, an inclusive running club based in Manchester. Katherine Cleary, LinkedIn
Dr Lorraine Bedwell Expand Lorraine is a Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University's Business School, specialising in sports business management. She holds a PhD from the same university. She is an interdisciplinary researcher, encompassing business management, sports management, and cultural studies. Her expertise centres on organisational culture, performance, and change, with a particular focus on how organisational culture influences talent development and fosters a sense of belonging within organisations. With over 15 years of commercial experience, Lorraine played a key role in developing a successful recruitment business. As a Senior Executive, she was instrumental in driving business growth, designing recruitment strategies, and advancing talent development initiatives. A passionate advocate for the transformative impact of sport, Lorraine is dedicated to promoting inclusivity in sports and helping children realise their full potential. Lorraine Bedwell, LinkedIn
Paul Lee Expand Paul Lee was born, and still lives, in Didsbury. He was educated at Manchester Central Grammar School and Clare College Cambridge where he read Law. He was the Senior Partner of Addleshaw Goddard LLP, a leading UK and international law firm. He joined the then Addleshaw Sons & Latham in 1970, became Managing Partner in 1991 and Senior Partner in 1997. He retired from the practice in 2013. Paul is actively involved in the Arts, education and business. He has been Chairman of Opera North since 2014 and was for seventeen years Chairman of the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester. He has also served on the Board of Northern Ballet Theatre. He is Chairman of the Feoffees of Chetham’s School of Music and was for many years Chairman of the School Committee (Governing Body) of Chetham’s. He was a member of the Board of Governors of The University of Manchester for nine years and has also served on the Board of the Royal Northern College of Music. In his business life, Paul was Chairman of the Horserace Betting Levy Board for more than ten years and was also a member of the CBI Board, Chairman of the CBI North West and Chairman of the North West Business Leadership Team. In January 2024, he was appointed a director of Golden Eagle Luxury Trains Limited. He served as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester in 2014-15 and selected Access Sport as his main charitable focus that year. Since that time become more closely involved, as a supporter, Trustee and the first chairman of the steering group. Paul is married to Elisabeth, a former solicitor, and they have three adult children, Jonathan, Antonia and William. His interests include horseracing, the Arts, travel - France in particular – and fine wine.
Rachel Brunt Expand Rachel Brunt is the Chief Financial Officer at Bruntwood, a leading UK property group that specialises in workspace, retail and placemaking. With a strong financial acumen and a strategic mindset, she plays a central role in guiding Bruntwood’s growth and sustainability initiatives. A Chartered Accountant by training, Rachel began her professional journey at Deloitte, where she worked for over four years while qualifying.Her passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) extends beyond her corporate role. Rachel cares deeply about ensuring everyone, regardless of background, has access to opportunity, which is why she supports Access Sport whose mission of removing barriers in sport aligns closely with Rachel’s belief in equality for all and her desire to foster more inclusive, thriving communities.Outside of work, Rachel is married with a young daughter, and many of her weekends are spent ferrying her to organised clubs and activities, living her values of inclusion and opportunity in both business and family life.Rachel Brunt, LinkedIn