We at Ctrl.Alt.Shift often get to rub shoulders with the best of the best from the world of entertainment, music, art and politics. At the vInspired Awards 2009 last week, we mixed with some of the brightest stars in the showbiz sky. The awards ceremony, held at the IndigO2 in London, commemorated young people for their efforts in the community and helping others around them. One man who knows a lot about helping others is self-made billionaire businessman and Dragon’s Den star James Caan. Ctrl.Alt.Shift’s very own aspiring millionaire, James Prosho caught up with Caan to ask about his attitudes towards volunteering, and the spare change in his pocket…

James Caan, thank you very much for talking to us this evening. Please help yourself to our peanuts and Fruit Pastilles. Let’s cut to the chase - you’re not shy of a bob or two…?
Well, yeah I guess you could say that

Come on James don’t be modest, you’re easily the richest man in the room. However, the majority of the world live on less than a pound a day; lets say you were in that position, how would you spend your measly quid?
(Long Pause) Food probably. Yeah I’d try and feed myself.

Any preference?
Good question. I guess a pound isn’t a lot to live off, especially in times like these. I think I’d go with a chicken tikka masala.

I’m not sure you can get a chicken tikka masala for a quid. But fair enough, I guess it’s a good source of protein to keep you going. So how does an uber-rich business lord like you get involved with the work that vInspired are doing?
Well I looked at what vInspired were doing and for me, anything that makes a difference to the community and makes a difference to young peoples’ lives is very central to what I do; I’m very enthusiastic about investing in young peoples’ projects, helping them start a business - so when I saw what these guys were doing, giving the next generation the opportunity to do something for themselves, I got on board.
  
That ties in with what we do at Ctrl.Alt.Shift - we try and harness the potential of the next generation. For example, I’m a photo-journalist, I use that to meet and grill people like your fine self. So have you got any projects on the horizon that could help people like me?
Yeah, well I’ve got the James Caan Foundation and we give money to schools in Britain - we’ve built a school in Pakistan and most of the activities that I’m involved in revolve around young people, giving them a chance to make a better life for themselves.

That’s good to hear, ever done any volunteer work yourself?
In my younger days yes, I helped out at my old school from time to time.

Such humble beginnings James. Well thank you very much for talking to us today, and please take some peanuts with you.
Haha, I will. And thank you guys, keep up the good work.

Words: James Prosho. Ctrl.Alt.Shift’s James has £0.03 in this pocket right now.
Photos: Luca Massaro. Big spender Luca has £5 in his pocket, but will be feasting on his packed lunch today.

For more information on James Caan please see here