Veteran turned business leader, Will joined the Combat2Coffee team after meeting Nigel at a regional event and being inspired by the organisation’s impact and potential.  “It was clear to me from the outset that the singular mission to connect people in need over a good brew was so powerful… Combat2Coffee sells great coffee and channels the profits to help those who’ve served and their wider communities… what could be better!”  After 18 years in the British Army commanding tanks and flying helicopters, Will is now enjoying an exciting career helping businesses grow and succeed through effective strategic communications and growth marketing.  Most comfortable in highly demanding situations requiring a ‘whole business view’ and a clear grasp of context, Will loves connecting people, organisations, and ideas to get the best things done right. Will is a trustee of the Seckford Foundation, has an MBA from Cranfield University, and was made an MBE for his military service.

Ipswich-born Paul Botterill served as a Seaman Officer in the Royal Navy, where he commanded a Fast Patrol Boat and a Minesweeper. After a period working for IBM, he spent 40 years in the marine container business, eventually becoming President and CEO of Seaborne Intermodal Holdings LLC, and Executive Chairman of both Wind Container Holdings and Puffa Limited. Paul has also held several roles in the voluntary sector, including mentor and board member of the Prince’s Trust in Suffolk, Chairman of Littlegarth School, and Chairman of The Army & Navy Club. He is currently a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of The Not Forgotten. Paul met Nigel at a Not Forgotten event in 2018 and has been supporting Combat2Coffee ever since.

With a background in social housing, Wendy has spent her career championing community wellbeing through housing and social impact. She joined Orwell Housing Association in 1994 and has since held several senior roles, culminating in her appointment as Chief Executive in 2018. Under her leadership, Orwell has evolved into a modern, agile organisation with a strong commitment to inclusivity, wellbeing, and community empowerment. Wendy was inspired to join Combat2Coffee’s Board by the organisation’s powerful mission to use coffee as a catalyst for connection, conversation, and early mental health support. She brings to Combat2Coffee a deep belief in the power of early intervention and inclusive spaces to support mental health and resilience—values that sit at the heart of the organisation’s work. 

After an early career in auditing with PwC and time at home raising three sons, Clare co-founded Slate in 2017.  Slate became an award-winning cheese retailer, operating two shops on the Suffolk coast alongside an online store delivering exceptional cheese to customers nationwide. Since leaving retail in 2023, Clare has remained deeply passionate about artisan food and drink. She is excited to join Combat2Coffee to explore the world of coffee and to help maximise the development of the Company’s brand and customer experience in support of its valuable outreach work.

After working as a lawyer for over 25 years, first at London firm Mishcon de Reya and later as a partner at Essex-based Tolhurst Fisher, Julie brings wide-ranging experience in commercial, intellectual property, and employment law. Now a sculptor working in metal, Julie was recruited to Combat2Coffee by Paul Botterill, for whose companies she has previously acted. Julie has been moved by the challenges faced by ex-service people and is inspired by the sustainable model that Combat2Coffee is developing to support those who have served. She is looking forward to playing her part in that development. 

Paul’s background is as a Portfolio Manager and senior leader, running global businesses within the investment industry. He has operated successfully in complex organisations including First Sentier, Aberdeen, Credit Suisse, and AXA, consistently delivering award-winning performance for clients. A passionate believer in developing investment talent, Paul is the founder funder of the UK’s first fully student run investment fund. Established in 2013 as a charitable enterprise, the fund provides students from a diverse range of backgrounds and disciplines with real-world investment experience and education, while also generating contributions for local charities. Today, Paul’s focus is as a Non-Executive Director and advisor to firms implementing AI within decision-making processes. His introduction to Combat2Coffee and Nigel came in late 2024, initially advising the business on its financial structure.