With local elections here in Croydon in May, we speak with Nick Collins, Reform UK candidate for Old Coulsdon.
“I have seen how countries in Asia have overtaken Europe and Britain by having sensible policies run by professionals and how the opposite has happened in Britain”
Can you introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us what made you decide to run?
With a MA in history from the University of Cambridge, I spent a 40 career in the shipping industry and almost as many as a resident of the Croydon area. Working in the City on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. I have also worked extensively overseas in Tokyo for over 3 years, in Singapore as CEO for over 3 years and in Dubai as a COO for over 5 years all as bases to do business around the world. Advising large multinational companies on global shipping strategy and I have been involved in thousands of deals.
I have seen how countries in Asia have overtaken Europe and Britain by having sensible policies run by professionals and how the opposite has happened in Britain. I will bring commercial rigour into local government so taxpayer money is not wasted and more can be retained by voters/taxpayers – the way more prosperous societies are created.
I have also authored books on how shipping works and after retirement a wrote a three volume history of maritime trade, the last of which The Ascent of Maritime Trade 1700-2025 (due out in April 2026) includes a chapter analysing the decline of maritime Britain and hence Britain itself – described by a peer reviewer as ‘an essential text for today’. For more on my books and social media output please go to maritimetradehistory.com.
“I will bring commercial rigour into local government so taxpayer money is not wasted and more can be retained by voters/taxpayers”
How can people find out more or get involved in the campaign?
You can find out more in our booklet ‘CROYDON NEEDS REFORM – OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU’. You can also follow us on Facebook or contact us at chair.croydon@reformuk.com.
