Bristol-born entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Stephen Fear has joined Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson’s Commission on Education and Skills, which has been created to improve opportunities for the city’s young people.
Dr Fear, known as ‘The phonebox millionaire’ for the way he launched his first business as a teenager from a payphone, aims to strengthen the links between education, training and employment opportunities available to 14-25 year olds in Bristol. 
He said: “Anything is possible and most things probable with positive thought and the right attitude. Mayor Ferguson has always believed in the city of Bristol and the potential of its young people and I hope that my involvement will help the commission achieve its overall aims.”
Dr Fear, pictured, started his business life in Bristol more than 40 years ago and is now the Entrepreneur in Residence at The British Library, a position formerly held by the late Dame Anita Roddick. He has an established property empire and interests in a number of industries, including green technology, hotels, residential care and manufacturing.
In July he was also awarded an honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from UWE Bristol for his continued service to entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship.
Mayor Ferguson said: “I am delighted to welcome one of Bristol’s most remarkable businessmen to the commission. With more than 40 years’ experience of starting, growing and selling businesses and without any formal education, I can think of no one better than Stephen Fear to bring fresh thinking to the commission.”
