Tony Bloom credits his family for his approach to giving
The Brighton football club owner discusses his charitable work, data-driven leadership and early influences at a World Jewish Relief event
Brighton football club owner and chairman Tony Bloom has spoken about his family’s influence on his approach to philanthropy, during an intimate evening with World Jewish Relief supporters in Camden, north London.
More than 50 guests attended the event to support World Jewish Relief’s Work Matters campaign, which helps Ukrainians and other vulnerable communities access sustainable employment and independence.
Awarded an MBE in 2024 for services to football and the wider Brighton community, Bloom told the audience during a conversation chaired by Candice Krieger, business and tech editor of Jewish News, that giving back had been ingrained in him from an early age.
“I grew up seeing my parents give to different causes.” he said. “I remember running a half marathon for RNLI when I was at school. When so many of my friends sponsored me I was really surprised, and that generosity really stayed with me.”
Tony and his wife Linda went on to establish The Bloom Foundation, which has donated millions of pounds to causes locally, nationally and in Israel. “Charity is a very personal thing,” he explained, “but for us, it’s about where we can make a meaningful and lasting impact.”
Through the Foundation, Bloom has supported the creation of the Brighton & Hove Jewish Community (BNJC), a landmark Jewish community centre in Hove. Officially opened in 2023, it is already helping shape the future of the city’s 4,000-strong Jewish population.
Reflecting on the link between business success and philanthropy, Bloom said: “I think there’s a big responsibility on those who have done well to give back. There are so many people and communities struggling around the world, and if you’re able to help, you should.”
A Brighton supporter since the age of eight, the father-of-two spoke movingly about his grandfather, who introduced him to the club and passed away when Bloom was just 10. “He gave me my love of football and Brighton,” he said. “I never imagined I’d one day be running the club. Back then I was still convincing myself I might play for them,” he joked.
“He was my inspiration and someone I think of a lot.”
Bloom also reflected on the challenges of leadership, decision-making and the role of data in modern football. “Our starting point for all our recruitment is through data and analysis,” he said. “We have a wish list of managers and while you might know the number one (Pep Guardiola) you’d be surprised who ranks fifth or eighth. It’s not always who people expect.”
Bloom hailed the work World Jewish Relief and their programmes as “incredibly important.
“Their ethos is about helping people to help themselves. It’s not just handouts.”
Paul Anticoni, chief executive of World Jewish Relief, thanked Bloom for his long-standing support and generosity and spoke of his pride that a Jewish charity – World Jewish Relief – is the biggest supporter or projects to get Ukrainian refugees into work in the UK.
He said: “A truly inspiring evening with Tony Bloom in conversation with Candice as part of World Jewish Relief’s “Work Matters” initiative. Tony gave an amazing insight into his football, business and philanthropic world highlighting his strong set of values. He reflected on his visits to see World Jewish Relief’s work in Ukraine and Moldova and shared his resonance with the charity’s commitment to “‘help people help themselves’.”
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