Natalie Campbell: A Trailblazing Social Entrepreneur Shaping the Future
Natalie Campbell is a name synonymous with innovation, leadership, and social impact in the United Kingdom. Known widely as Natalie Campbell MBE, she is a social entrepreneur, broadcaster, author, and executive who has dedicated her career to inspiring individuals and organisations to create positive change. From co-founding influential companies to leading initiatives at prestigious institutions, Campbell’s journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to sustainability, inclusion, and social enterprise. This article explores her life, career, education, and remarkable contributions, highlighting why she remains a pivotal figure in the modern business and social landscape.
Early Life and Educational Foundations
Natalie Campbell’s story begins in London, where she developed a passion for entrepreneurship and social innovation early on. She pursued a strong educational path, equipping herself with the knowledge and skills that would later fuel her impactful career.
Academic Journey
Campbell’s formal education is both diverse and impressive. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship from Goldsmiths, University of London, between 2011 and 2012. This specialised education laid the groundwork for her future endeavours in the social enterprise sector.
Before this, she obtained a Master’s degree in Television Current Affairs Journalism from City St George’s, University of London, during 2008 to 2009. This equipped her with critical communication skills, later utilised in her broadcasting career.
She also engaged in consultancy and independent research in entrepreneurship at Lancaster University from 2003 to 2006, which included active participation in the Lancaster Entrepreneur’s Society, sharpening her entrepreneurial mindset from an early stage.
Furthering her leadership acumen, Natalie attended Harvard University’s Executive Education programme on Leadership in the 21st Century, enriching her capabilities to lead with vision in a rapidly evolving world.
Career Milestones: Leadership and Innovation
Natalie Campbell’s professional trajectory showcases her versatility as a leader, social innovator, and communicator. She has led numerous organisations and projects, focusing on sustainability, purpose-driven business, and community impact.
Co-CEO of Belu Water
Since March 2020, Campbell has served as the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Belu Water Ltd. Belu is an ethical drinks company renowned for donating 100% of its profits to WaterAid, supporting clean water access and sanitation worldwide. Under Campbell’s leadership, Belu prioritises environmental responsibility by reducing carbon footprints and advocating for sustainable consumption.
Belu collaborates extensively with the UK hospitality sector, providing water solutions with the lowest environmental impact. Its commitment to zero carbon futures and sustainable packaging has set a high standard in the industry, with nearly half of its carbon emissions reduced since 2010.
Founder and Leader of A Very Good Company (AVGC)
Before Belu, Campbell co-founded A Very Good Company in 2011, a social innovation agency that challenged traditional business models. AVGC worked with major brands such as Virgin Media, Marks & Spencer, and Channel 4 to embed sustainability, inclusion, and purpose at the core of their operations—long before such values became mainstream.
AVGC was known for pushing boundaries and encouraging businesses to prioritise people and the environment over profits, disrupting ‘business as usual’ and setting new norms for corporate responsibility.
Chancellor of the University of Westminster
In November 2022, Campbell was appointed Chancellor of the University of Westminster. This prestigious role allows her to influence the education sector by fostering equity, sustainability, and opportunity. She has initiated the Chancellor’s Circle, a network connecting students with businesses to enhance employability and real-world skills.
Campbell’s vision aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to create a more just and healthier society through education and innovation.
Advisory and Non-Executive Roles
Campbell’s expertise extends into advisory and governance roles:
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She joined PwC’s Advisory Council in January 2023, contributing to the firm’s mission to build societal trust and solve significant challenges.
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As a Civil Service Commissioner from 2017 to 2022, she helped regulate recruitment based on merit and fairness, reinforcing public service integrity.
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She has served as Chair of the Nominet Trust, the UK’s leading social tech funder, and held board positions at NCVYS (youth services), UnLtd (supporting social entrepreneurs), and the National Lottery Communities Fund.
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Campbell was involved with the London Economic Action Partnership, advising on economic growth initiatives to support London’s business ecosystem.
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She also contributed to the GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland Campaign, promoting UK business, culture, and tourism internationally.
Broadcasting and Media Engagements
Beyond business, Natalie Campbell is an accomplished broadcaster and author. She hosted the weekly “Badass Women’s Hour” on talkRADIO, celebrating female achievement and empowerment. Additionally, she co-hosted “Breakfast with the Boss,” a podcast featuring conversations with leading industry figures.
Her media presence also includes documentaries and podcasts exploring leadership, technology, and social change, such as BBC Radio 4’s “The Followership Game” and the Virgin Future Visions podcast.
In 2014, Campbell authored the book Starting a Business in Seven Simple Steps, published by HarperCollins, aiming to demystify entrepreneurship for aspiring business owners.
Awards and Recognition
Natalie Campbell’s efforts have been widely acknowledged:
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In 2016, she won the ‘Community Spirit’ award at the Women of the Future Awards.
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The following year, she received the ‘Variety Catherine Evening Standard Entrepreneurial Spirit Award’.
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She has been named among Management Today’s 35 Women Under 35 and featured in City AM’s Power 100 Women list.
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In the 2020 Birthday Honours, Campbell was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her services to social entrepreneurship and business.
These accolades affirm her influence and impact across multiple sectors.
Personal Philosophy and Impact
At the core of Natalie Campbell’s work is a philosophy of purposeful business — where social and environmental values are inseparable from commercial success. She believes that companies must act as forces for good, embracing sustainability and inclusivity rather than mere profit maximisation.
Her mantra of helping people “feel good, do good and live better” reflects her dedication to uplifting communities through enterprise, education, and innovation.
Conclusion
Natalie Campbell MBE stands out as a visionary leader and changemaker in social entrepreneurship. Through her multifaceted roles—as Co-CEO of Belu Water, Chancellor of the University of Westminster, broadcaster, author, and advisor—she continues to shape a future where business drives positive social and environmental outcomes.
Her career exemplifies how passion, education, and commitment can transform industries and inspire others to pursue meaningful change. For anyone interested in social innovation, leadership, and the power of purpose, Natalie Campbell’s journey offers both inspiration and a roadmap for impact.
