Joseph Bamford could shoot, fish, swim, and sail. Bamford paid more than fair wages, which rose regularly, and annual bonuses based on reports of individual worth. In 1967 Bamford stood on a farm cart and handed out personal cheques totalling £250,000. This extraordinary focus in return gave unprecedented levels of workforce flexibility, with the average JCB employee through the strike-dominated 1970s and early 1980s being seven times more productive than the average British manufacturing worker. In 1975 Bamford and his wife Marjorie (née Griffin – married 1941) handed over the business to their two sons, and retired to Switzerland as tax exiles.
Peter Bamford one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world and a significant international brand. Bamford was Chief Executive of Vodafone UK, Regional Chief Executive for the NEMEA region and latterly also oversaw the marketing function. Before joining The Vodafone Company in 1997, Bamford was a director WH Smith PLC and managing director of the W H Smith chain and earlier in his career held senior positions with Kingfisher plc and Tesco PLC. Bamford is also known for his motor racing activities. Since 2006 he has competed in major championships including the Ferrari Challenge, British GT Championship, Le Mans Series and