As founder of the Proud Group, Alex Proud has a track record of success behind him. His career began nearly twenty years ago, after he decided to give up dealing in Japanese art and selling Rolls Royces to the Russian mafia. He founded Proud Central, which later became known as The Strand Gallery, and from there, his brands took off, including properties as diverse as Proud Galleries in Central London, and the Proud Camden Bar and Gallery. Following these establishments, Alex also renovated the historic Hanbury Ballroom in his own hometown of Brighton, reopening it as the Proud Cabaret Brighton, just one of his three successful cabaret locations.Alex Proud is now viewed as a distinguished commentator on issues surrounding media and the photography and entertainment industries. His venues have included judging on various panels, including the Nikon Press Awards, to appearing on Channel 4’s Picture This and presenting the BBC2’s House Proud. His current projects include the television show Four Rooms on Channel 4, where people get a chance to sell their artifacts to leading dealers from around the country.