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Draft:Matthew Bridger

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  • Comment: Fails WP:ANYBIO - the individual's website and press releases are all primary sources and therefore not independent or reliable. Neither is LinkedIn. Dan arndt (talk) 04:01, 15 August 2024 (UTC)

Matthew J. Bridger

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Matthew J. Bridger (born July 11, 2000) is a British entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political figure. He is recognized for his contributions to social impact, community service, and youth entrepreneurship, particularly in Kent and Stoke-on-Trent.[1]

Early Life and Education

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Matthew Bridger was born on July 11, 2000, at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, Kent, England.[2] He attended The John Wallis Academy and later pursued studies in Media at The EDGE School of Creative and Business at Folkestone College.[2]

Career

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Matthew Bridger began his entrepreneurial career at the age of 11 by founding Whisper Media, a creative agency he ran from his bedroom.[3] By the age of 17, he had launched a second project, Magnate Generation CIC, a community interest company aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs in Kent.[4]

Bridger faced significant challenges as a young entrepreneur, including being unable to open a professional bank account due to his age. This led him to appoint a company director to manage financial accounts for both Whisper Media and Magnate Generation CIC. Bridger has since campaigned for changes in the law to allow under-18s to open business accounts, advocating that young people should have access to the necessary tools to run a business.[4]

Magnate Generation CIC received a £10,000 donation from Kent Police through the Safer in Kent fund, which was invested in employment programs in schools and a food-waste and recycling initiative.[4] The company also allowed young people to engage in local community projects, helping them build relationships and gain respect.[4]

Bridger's entrepreneurial success has been recognized by several media outlets. He was featured in *The Telegraph* as one of the "teenpreneurs making serious amounts of pocket money,"[5] in *Inc. Magazine* as one of the "20 Teenage Entrepreneurs Set for Success,"[6] and in *Huffington Post* as "Young Entrepreneur of the Week."[3]

Political Career

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Matthew Bridger has been actively involved in local politics, holding various positions within the Conservative Party:

- **Kennington Community Council**: Bridger serves as a Councillor for the Kennington Ward on the Kennington Community Council. In 2024, he was elected Vice Chairman of the Council, participating in key committees such as the Finance and General Policies Committee and the Environment and Places Committee.[7]

- **Kingsnorth Parish Council**: At 18, Bridger became the youngest councillor elected to the Kingsnorth Parish Council, representing the Park Farm South Ward in Ashford, Kent. He made significant contributions to the Staffing and Communications Committees before stepping down in 2021.[8]

- **Bentilee and Ubberley By-election**: In September 2022, Bridger was the Conservative candidate for the Bentilee and Ubberley by-election in Stoke-on-Trent, where he significantly increased the Conservative vote share.[9] Bentilee is a suburb of [Stoke-on-Trent](http://en.wiki.x.io/wiki/Stoke-on-Trent_City_Council_elections#cite_note-16), and further information about the by-election can be found on local council pages and news sources.

Philanthropy and Community Service

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Matthew Bridger is the founder of the Little House Project Homeless Shoebox Appeal, an initiative that provides essential items to homeless individuals in Kent during the holiday season.[10] His efforts in philanthropy have been recognized with various awards, including the UK's 2241st Point of Light by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in January 2024.[11]

Honors and Awards

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Matthew Bridger has received several awards for his contributions to community service and philanthropy:

- **Mayor's Certificate of Achievement Award** (May 2024): Issued by The Worshipful, the Mayor of Ashford, Councillor Larry Krause.[1] - **The UK's 2241st Point of Light Recipient** (January 2024): Awarded by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, for his philanthropic efforts.[11] - **Race for Life Medal** (January 2024): Awarded by Cancer Research UK for his participation and support in the Race for Life event.[1] - **Finalist in the Community Award** (October 2018): Presented by Independent Business Awards Kent (IBAK).[10] - **Runner Up in the Inspired Achievement Award** (October 2018): Presented by Independent Business Awards Kent (IBAK).[10] - **Try Angle Award for Community Action** (May 2018): Recognized for his efforts in community service.[10]

Personal Life

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Matthew Bridger resides in the United Kingdom but frequently travels to speak at events and raise awareness about his philanthropic initiatives.[2] He enjoys country music and is a fan of Adam Sandler films, with "Big Daddy" being a personal favorite introduced to him by his father.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Stoke-on-Trent Philanthropist Honoured by King Charles III" Babababoon. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d "About Matthew" Matthew J. Bridger Official Website. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Young Entrepreneur Of The Week: Meet The 14-Year-Old Heading Up His Own Branding Agency" Huffington Post. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d "Teen businessman helps youths get into business" Kent Online. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  5. ^ "Meet the 'teenpreneurs' making serious amounts of pocket money" The Telegraph. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  6. ^ "20 Teenage Entrepreneurs Set for Success" Inc. Magazine. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  7. ^ "Councillor Matthew Bridger - Kennington Community Council" Ashford Borough Council. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  8. ^ "Kingsnorth Park Farm South Parish Ward Results" Ashford Borough Council. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  9. ^ "Meet the three candidates who want your votes in the Bentilee and Ubberley by-election" Stoke Sentinel. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  10. ^ a b c d "It's all about giving to those who haven't got a home" Kent Online. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
  11. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference bbc was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
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