About Jim Cirkel

Humble Beginnings:

Eldest son to Terence and Vivien, James (now known to most as 'Jim or Jimmy') was born in August 1985, in a South London hospital.

Initially living in Wallington (with his grandparents), before being raised by his Mother, in Wimbledon, with his younger brother, in a single-parent family after his parents' separation, Jim enjoyed a humble beginning, living in social housing and attending state schools, throughout both his Primary and Secondary education, before finishing his academic studies at College, having successfully studied 'Preparation for Entry to the Uniformed Services', in 2003.

Younger Years:

Learning at an early age, the importance of being independent and working hard in the 'World of Business', his Maternal Grandfather taught him a lot of the principles and ideologies that still shape Jim today, by playing an active part in his upbringing.

Jim started working at a young age, holding a 'paper round' as young as 12, before enlisting his younger brother, so he could take on a second round to make more money. In fact, his entrepreneural spirit shone through early, selling sweets to his school friends, to make a profit.

After leaving Secondary Education, he studied for his AS/A2 Levels, while working part-time around his studies, with the general public in various shops, building his experience in Customer Services, where he was quickly entrusted as a Supervisor, 'Key Holder', 'Key Colleague' and Assistant Manager, leading smaller teams of staff, which he enjoyed.

Professional Background:

Starting his professional career at 18, Jim has worked in the Public Safety and Private Security realms, as well as Facilities Management and Road Transportation sectors, having undertaken a number of vocational qualifications and specialist training courses.

He has held a number of roles at both Senior Management and Directorship level, over a career spanning more than two decades, aimed at enhancing safety standards and operational efficiency, while ensuring a high-end service delivery. He was often tasked with implementing new business strategies and leading change management initiatives.

He is a recognised leader, passionate about raising standards, while holding a very strong work ethos. Jim works tirelessly to find effective solutions to problems, articulating his ideas with confidence and passion, while building effective working relationships, effortlessly understanding and overcoming an ever-changing landscape of complex challenges.

Professional Skills:

Jim has predominantly worked in the service-based sector, with both B2B and B2C clients, primarily working in Operational Management roles.

However, Jim has practical knowledge and experience within the Corporate Governance, Quality Assurance and Project Management realms, as well as a skillset in Sales, Business Development, Fundraising, SEO/Digital Marketing, PR and Communications and Recruitment/Training, too.

Volunteering Experience:

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jim has also volunteered with a number of Charitable Organisations, since 2012, fighting worthy causes, including: Poverty Alleviation, Disaster and Humanitarian Relief, Health, Animal Welfare and Children/Family rights.

Advocacy:

In early 2024, Jim garnered public attention through his efforts to secure Palliative (End-of-Life) care for his terminally-ill son, by highlighting the challenges within and limitations of the UK's overstretched NHS system, campaigning Central Government and speaking to audiences of MPs, NHS England officials and Palliative Care experts, as well as giving interviews to two National News channels. His advocacy has inspired others to support families with complex medical needs, attracting over 3,500 signatures in a campaign taken to Number 10 Downing Street, in late 2024.

Trusteeship:

In early 2025, Jim became a Trustee within two Charities, by giving a voice to disabled and terminally-ill children within a National Charity, as well as working with an autistic-focused Charity, based in London.

In mid 2025, Jim went on to set-up three Charities; two as a legacy to his youngest sons, starting peer-to-peer support forums for families affected by the same conditions, as well as a Men's Mental Health Charity, aimed at getting men talking, reducing male suicide rates and taking the stigma out of men talking about their feelings and showing their emotions, through a variety of different activities.

Family Life:

Having found contact with his two half-sisters in his teenage years, Jim is now an Uncle to two nephews and one niece.

Jim is also an unpaid carer to his (elderly) Mother, having readily undertaken this responsibility for some years now.

Jim is the proud father to four children; being a very hands-on parent to his two youngest sons, who suffer with complex health needs. Sadly, both boys are also on End-of-Life care, but Jim tries to remain positive and make each day as memorable as possible for them.

Hobbies and Interests:

Jim likes to socialise with friends, in his spare time, enjoying dining out, cooking and drinking experiences. He is a driving enthusiast, keen photographer and enjoys keeping fit, cycling, running and hiking. Jim is also a musician, playing piano and saxophone, thriving on various genres of music. Jim is often listening to Podcasts, watching YouTube tutorials or learning something new.

As an animal lover, he enjoys days out with his children to various farms, zoos and aquariums. He aspires to run a sustainable smallholding one day. Often found by the beach, or in the countryside, Jim really enjoys nature. Jim is particularly motivated by environmental issues and living sustainably, enjoying growing herbs, spices, fruit and vegetables.