November 02

Edward Colston began trading with the Americas as a young merchant and became a senior partner in the Royal African Company. He served as a Member of Parliament for Bristol, using his influence to support commercial interests. Colston donated large sums to schools, hospitals, almshouses, and churches in his native city. His endowments led to the founding of charity schools and the expansion of public institutions in Bristol. While celebrated for his philanthropy, much of his fortune came from the transatlantic slave trade, casting a controversial shadow over his legacy. He died in 1721, but the debate over his memory continues to shape discussions on public monuments and history.

Born in Turin in 1893, he launched his coachbuilding workshop under the name Pinin Farina in 1930. His firm crafted elegant, aerodynamic bodies for leading automakers like Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia. He emphasized a blend of form and function, setting new standards for automotive design. Under his leadership, Pininfarina became synonymous with luxury and innovation in coachbuilding. The company's designs influenced the look of sports and luxury cars worldwide. He died in 1966, but the Pininfarina legacy continues through iconic vehicle designs.

Born in Budapest in 1923, Rosenbaum emigrated to Switzerland after World War II. He studied rabbinical theology and became a respected Swiss rabbi. In 1955, he founded the Banque du Credit International in Geneva, serving as its president. He used the bank to finance numerous Israeli institutions and promote economic development. Rosenbaum's financial dealings were both influential and controversial, leaving a complex legacy.

Born in Paddington, London, Sainsbury was chairman of supermarket chain J Sainsbury plc from 1969 to 1992. Under his leadership, the company modernized and expanded nationwide while maintaining quality and service. He was created a life peer in 1989, sitting in the House of Lords as Baron Sainsbury of Preston Candover. Sainsbury championed philanthropic causes in education, arts, and medical research through charitable trusts. His strategic vision helped transform Sainsbury's into one of the UK's leading retailers. He remained active in business and philanthropy until his passing in 2022.

After earning his Ph.D. at MIT, Amar Bose founded Bose Corporation in 1964 and revolutionized the audio industry. He introduced research-driven speaker designs and noise-canceling headphones that set new standards in sound quality. Bose balanced academic work as an MIT professor with leading a global audio brand. His commitment to innovation led to breakthroughs in loudspeaker architecture and consumer electronics. Bose's products became synonymous with premium audio experiences worldwide. He remained deeply involved in company research and education until his passing in 2013.

Nick Boles (born November 2, 1965) is an English politician and former businessman who served as the Member of Parliament for Grantham and Stamford from 2010 to 2019. A member of the Conservative Party, he held ministerial roles including Minister of State for Planning, where he advocated for housing reforms and sustainable development. Before politics, Boles worked in management consulting and healthcare policy, bringing private sector insight to his public service. He authored reports on education and social mobility, championing opportunities for young people. Known for his progressive stance on social issues within his party, Boles resigned the Conservative whip in 2019. He continues to write and speak on policy, governance, and the future of British politics.