Mike Clare

Founder and Chairman, The Clare Foundation
Mike is a passionate serial entrepreneur, probably best known as the previous Chairman and CEO of Dreams Plc, which he founded in 1987 growing it to over 200 superstores before successfully selling out in March 2008 (timing is everything!).
Mike is also an investor in many other businesses (as a local ‘Dragon) plus offers short-term business loans through STABLE Ventures Ltd specialising in smaller (or start-up) businesses in the property and retail sectors. He currently runs Clarenco LLP which owns several unusual properties including Solent Forts, three Amazing Island Hotels (Napoleonic Sea Forts) just off Portsmouth.
Bijou Living Ltd, is his property company which develops and converts disused commercial properties into Smart Micro Apartments in cities/town centres.
Mike supports many philanthropic organisations including Outward Bound, The Princes Trust, Child Bereavement UK, Heart of Bucks, The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers and several others.
In 2009 Mike set up his own charity, The Clare Foundation which helps improve the efficiency of other charities in Buckinghamshire, offering ‘interest free’ Social Impact Loans. TCF also encourages local businesses to engage in the community through CSR programmes. The third focus for his charity is helping individuals/people with their confidence, self-esteem and general happiness …. Mike say’s “It’s about Charities, Businesses and People in Bucks all working together as a connected, collaborative and happy community”.
Mike is heavily involved in the county helping and mentoring local businesses and entrepreneurs and is often heard on the speaker circuit, lecturing and advising students and businessmen alike. Mike is an Ambassador and Deputy-Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire, a Freeman of the City of London, as well as a winner of numerous entrepreneurial awards. In 2009 Mike was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Bucks New University in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of commerce and entrepreneurship. He is also a Patron of the Clare Business School based within Bucks New University.
See our Latest News
- Bucks COVID-19 mass vaccination programmeBucks COVID-19 mass vaccination programme – Latest Update The Clare Foundation are continuing to […]
- 2021 COVID-19 Funders ListHow To Improve Your Fundraising And Find More Funders The Charity Excellence Framework is […]
- Radio Christmas SupportRadio Christmas Project Grant & Guest Appearances In December 2020, The Clare Foundation were […]

News
Charity Support & Resources
Covid-19 Specific Advice for Charities Latest Update: Over £500,000 distributed in grants…Read more
Bucks COVID-19 mass vaccination programme
Bucks COVID-19 mass vaccination programme – Latest Update The Clare Foundation are…Read more
2021 COVID-19 Funders List
How To Improve Your Fundraising And Find More Funders The Charity Excellence…Read more
Sign up to our newsletter
Keep up to date with our latest news and events.
Get in touch
If you have any questions, you can get in touch with us in one of the following ways:
Latest Events

Getting On Board – Trusteeship Masterclass series. Masterclass 3: How to find your new trustees
- 28 January 2021
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Getting On Board – Trusteeship Masterclass series. Masterclass 4: Shortlisting and interviewing trustees
- 04 February 2021
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am

Getting On Board – Trusteeship Masterclass series. Masterclass 5: How to ensure your new trustees get off to a flying start
- 11 February 2021
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am