Our founder

Bees for Development was founded in 1993 by Dr Nicola Bradbear MBE, a scientist and passionate advocate for bees and beekeeping whose vision was decades ahead of its time. At a moment when beekeeping was widely considered a marginal activity, Nicola recognised its extraordinary potential as a route out of poverty, a means of protecting biodiversity, and a livelihood accessible to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Over thirty years, Nicola built Bees for Development from a bold idea into an internationally respected organisation with experience working in more than 50 nations. Under her leadership, the charity pioneered approaches training communities in simple, low-cost and local styles of beekeeping. Since then, we have grown to cover all areas of livelihood support including beekeeper training, mentorship and extension work, routes to market, education in schools and universities establishing beekeeping not just as a practical skill, but as a catalyst for sustainable development.

Her contribution to the field was recognised with the award of an MBE, and her influence on beekeeping for development worldwide has been profound and lasting.

Nicola retired as CEO in 2024 after more than three decades of dedicated service. Her legacy is the foundation on which everything we do is built.

Today, Bees for Development continues to be driven by the same conviction she brought from the start, that bees and beekeeping can change lives. Our team remains passionate about the rich and powerful benefits of bees and beekeeping and are excited to share the compelling story of bees, people and biodiversity. Carrying the legacy forward and making life better with bees.