The Nest Directors

Our directors bring a wealth of experience and insight to The Nest, providing strong strategic leadership and guidance while supporting the day-to-day operations and ongoing development of our site. United by a share commitment to the Community Sports Foundation’s charitable objectives, this dedicated team ensure that everything we do remains impactful, response and rooted in the needs of the communities we serve. 

Jamie Arnall

Head of Business & Commercial, Fosters Solicitors

A solicitor at Fosters Solicitors since 2016, Jamie previously served as Head of Legal at Norwich City Football Club and as Senior Legal Counsel within a FTSE 250 business. He now leads Fosters’ in house service, supporting businesses with contracts, regulatory matters, data protection and intellectual property. This breadth of experience gives him a strong understanding of governance, risk and strategic decision-making, ensuring The Nest benefits from clear oversight, commercially focused guidance and long-term sustainable growth. 

Stephen Balmer-Walters

Ask Stephen Ltd

Stephen brings over 35 years of experience supporting organisations at every stage of their journey, from start-ups to global brands. Having worked across sectors including sport, law, accountancy, fashion and health, he has partnered with organisations such as Aston Martin, Norwich City FC, RSPCA and Walking with The Wounded, helping them overcome structural challenges, build effective processes and develop the mindset needed for long-term success. As the founder of “Ask Stephen,” he has extended this expertise to individuals as well as businesses, and his deep understanding of goal setting, performance and potential provides The Nest with strategic insight and a people-first approach that helps maximise its impact within the community 

Lauren Blyth

Head of Engagement, Norwich City Football Club

Lauren brings strong leadership in community engagement and social impact through her role as Head of Engagement at Norwich City Football Club. A long-standing member of the club’s team, she leads on community programmes and equality initiatives, ensuring the club plays a meaningful and inclusive role across the region. Her experience delivering large-scale, impactful programmes and connecting organisations with their communities provides The Nest with valuable insight, strengthening its ability to create inclusive opportunities and drive lasting positive change. 

Steve Collins

Director, JHW Azoth

As Director of JHW Azoth, an ACCA-regulated accountancy practice, Steve supports entrepreneurs and growing businesses across a range of sectors, helping them navigate growth, funding, restructuring and complex commercial challenges. Having built and led several businesses himselfexperiencing both success and setbackshe offers a pragmatic, honest perspective grounded in lived experience to his role as a Nest Director. Alongside his professional work, Steve’s passion for creativity is reflected in his curation of the Museum of Street Art (MOSA), and his ability to combine commercial insight with creative thinking provides The Nest with a distinctive, forward-looking perspective that supports innovation, resilience and meaningful community impact 

James Hill

Legal & Governance Director, Norwich City Football Club

James brings high-level legal expertise and strategic leadership in the sports sector to The Nest. Having trained at Fieldfisher and spending over six years at specialist firm Onside Law, he has advised clients across football, rugby and cricket at elite level. Since joining Norwich City in 2023, he has led the club’s legal function while also overseeing HR, safeguarding, supporter engagement and CSR, alongside roles as Company Secretary, senior safeguarding lead and trustee of the Community Sports Foundation. This breadth of experience ensures The Nest benefits from strong governance, a deep commitment to safeguarding and inclusion, and a clear understanding of how to deliver meaningful, community-focused impact. 

Paul Knowles

Director, Building Partnerships Limited

Paul brings extensive expertise in property, development and strategic planning to his role as a Director at The Nest. As Director of Building Partnerships Ltd., he leads on funding, planning and development strategy for both company projects and landowner clients, drawing on experience gained across the public and private sectors in London and East Anglia. His deep understanding of local and national development, combined with his long-standing commitment to community impact—having served as Chairman of the Foundation from 2010 to 2021—ensures The Nest benefits from strong strategic direction, sustainable growth and a clear focus on delivering lasting value for the communities it serves.

Anthony Richens

Finance & Operations Director, Norwich City Football Club

Anthony joined Norwich City Football Club as Finance Director in 2020 following five years as Group Finance Director at Stadium MK Group, where he oversaw financial operations across a diverse portfolio including MK Dons Football Club and the Doubletree by Hilton hotel. A Chartered Accountant who trained with MacIntyre Hudson LLP and also worked at Deloitte LLP, Anthony now leads finance and technology strategy at Norwich City, working closely with the Executive Committee and Board to ensure long-term financial stability. This depth of experience across sport and commercial environments provides The Nest with strong financial governance, strategic oversight and the confidence to deliver sustainable growth.