Michael Ashcroft has been an entrepreneur for over 40 years, having founded and run various companies employing more than 100,000 people.
He is a lifelong supporter of the Conservative Party and was Treasurer of the Party between 1998 and 2001 and Deputy Chairman between 2005 and 2010. He now sits in the House of Lords.
He has acquired a collection of 180 Victoria Crosses which are on public display in the Imperial War Museum. He has written 7 books including four on acts of gallantry.
Michael Ashcroft attended Mid Essex Technical College which is now part of Anglia Ruskin University. In 1999, he donated £5 million to establish the Lord Ashcroft International Business School in Chelmsford and since 2001; he has been Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University.