Charles Griffiths

Member since 2005

During his time studying at Newcastle University, Charles spent his vacations working at a mushroom farm where he did a multitude of jobs, from night driving and van sales, to administration and picking mushrooms.

This not only gave him valuable experience in all aspects of the business but made him realise that sound financial control linked all these activities together, which resulted in a successful company.

With an ambition to run his own company, he joined Price Waterhouse in Bristol to gain experience in financial matters. During his training he was fortunate to work for both small retail shops and large corporations.

Since qualifying, he has owned and managed many businesses in a variety of industries, including soft drinks, concrete, furniture and clothing, as well as helping many small companies and organisations through difficult financial periods. However, it is in supporting older people where he has a passion. Charles and his wife have built two residential homes in Clevedon and Portishead which provide high quality care in modern and comfortable surroundings.

At SMV Charles has used his knowledge of the elderly care sector, including chairing the Cote Charity for six years, during which time they built Katherine House, a purpose-made residential home for 42 residents. He was also a trustee and President of St Monica Trust for seven years – in this period the charity invented a whole new concept of generational living, mixing commerce and older people, at the Chocolate Quarter in Keynsham.

Charles is married with three children, and with his wife he still owns a small clothing and embroidery business that employs 30 people.