Writer, Speaker, Volunteer, Mentor & Advisor
Gary has provided significant voluntary and philanthropic support since 1986 across a number of areas including in fundraising (over £1 million), and pro bono business guidance (to over 30,000 entrepreneurs). He has been very active, since 2002, in supporting community and inclusion projects (including significant local and national support for veterans, cancer, visual & hearing impairment, students, LGBTQIA+ and homelessness projects). His international efforts relating to the US, Europe, Asean, East Asia, and the Commonwealth has been conservatively estimated to be have been worth in excess of £200 million. All of this is a vocation, it is voluntary, it is passion, and it continues to this day!
Born in Edinburgh, Gary lives as an 'Adopted Scouser' in the wonderful City of Liverpool. After graduating from Liverpool Polytechnic, he built a successful career as a technologist, teacher, entrepreneur, and business mentor. He is an Alderman, former Lord Mayor of Liverpool, an enthusiastic 'Pay It Forward' champion,
philanthropist, Senior Fellow, international relations lead and writer.
Career background in computing, teaching and business development. International relations and significant business guidance expertise.
Former Lord Mayor and “First Citizen” of Liverpool, diversity and equality champion, "Pay It Forward" evangelist and major fundraiser.
Led international delegations bringing well over £200 million into local communities (in trade, foreign direct investment, sport, health and education) and directly responsible for bringing over 50 delegations to attend 2 International Business Festivals with a further 200 overseas delegations looking to work with local govt, health, sports, culture, education and trade partners.
Founded 2 unique pro bono business guidance services and inspired over 60 specialist volunteers to provide free of charge, independent and impartial guidance to thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs.
Created the award winning Fashion Hub, Parr Street Hotel and STUDIO2 (a UK top 50 best bar) and has produced 6 music albums.
Invented 2 building products, helped set up 2 charities (Liverpool’s Habitat for Humanity and Ripples on The Mersey) and built successful businesses. Gary has also created and organised several events.
During the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns Gary personally supported and mentored over 2000 business owners desperately seeking information about grants, and business support - or simply looking for someone to listen to their worries and pleas for help.
Most recently, Gary has written 2 works of non-fiction exploring the devastation on his family created by the Thalidomide drug. Silent Victims: Part 1 and Part are real-life stories about ignorance, blame, guilt, trauma, domestic violence, addiction and hope. Available at https://books.by/gary-millar
CURRENT ROLES:
Chair & President Liverpool China Partnership | Hon. President Liverpool Commonwealth Association | Senior Fellow Liverpool Hope University
| Honorary Fellow John Moores University
| Vice-Chair/Trustee St George's Hall Charitable Trust
| Entrepreneur in Residence at Liverpool’s BIPC
PREVIOUS ROLES:
Lord Mayor of Liverpool
| Deputy Mayor of Liverpool
| Assistant Mayor of Liverpool
| Cabinet Member for Employment & Skills
| Cabinet Member for Culture & Enterprise
| Mayoral Lead Business & International Relations
| Old Swan Councillor
| Board Member Liverpool BID Company
| Chair Liverpool Commonwealth Association
| Chair Merseyside Enterprise Hub Strategic Board
| Patron Michael Causer Foundation
| Co-owner and Founder of the Fashion Hub
| Co-owner and Founder of Parr Street Hotel
| Governor Broadgreen International School
| Governor Dixons Broadgreen Academy School
| Governor Dixons Fazakerley Academy School
| Patron Liverpool Schizophrenia Association;
| Patron NW Training Council
| Patron Liverpool Cricket Club
| President PSS
| President Age Concern Liverpool
| President of RSPCA Liverpool
| Vice President Seafarers UK
| Vice President English Speaking Union
| Hon. President Liverpool Sea Cadets
| Board Member Social Enterprise Network
| Regional President CMI
| Board Member Arts Council North
| Chair Employment & Skills Select Committee
| Business Development Manager Apple Centre Liverpool
| Managing Director Treads UK Limited
| Marketing Director Castle Flooring Group
| Senior Consultant Merseyside Innovation Centre Computer Services
| Training Manager Merseyside Innovation Centre Computer Services
