Uk Calendar Girls: A Visionary’s Dream With Myles Lockwood

Meet Myles Lockwood, the visionary behind UK Calendar Girls, one of the largest lingerie modelling competitions in the UK. Myles started his career in the tech industry but soon discovered his passion for media, design, and empowering others. Over the years, he’s transformed UK Calendar Girls into a platform that boosts confidence and celebrates beauty in all forms. Beyond his work with Calendar Girls, Myles is a dynamic entrepreneur managing multiple ventures, including OM Media Group and OM Film Productions. His journey is a testament to the power of creativity, resilience, and a drive towards making a positive impact.

In this exclusive interview with the Leaders, Myles shares his journey of becoming a celebrated entrepreneur, insights on empowering women through UK Calendar Girls, and his vision for the future.

1. Can you tell us a bit about your early life and what inspired you to pursue a career in media and entertainment?

I began my career at Toshiba Consumer Products, soldering circuit boards, building TVs, and testing AVs gave me the chance to work alongside a diverse group of people, from doctors, taking a gap year to travel, teachers, ballet dancers, and at one point, even the makeup artist from Monty Python. This experience taught me how to communicate with people from all walks of life. But after seven years, I needed to move on, so I upped and left. I moved to the USA briefly before returning to the UK. On returning I worked for companies such as Vauxhall, Northcliffe Media, GWR Radio, British Telecom, and Yellow Pages, where I learned graphic design. My passion for design led me to start my own business in 2003, travelling and creating designs for businesses and clients’ advertising needs.

A year later, I launched a publication called The Oracle, now OM Magazine, which has had a loyal readership since 2004. Since then I’ve added a print brokerage called OM Design & Print, and another publication called the Plympton Magazine. In 2006, I founded High Street Girls which then became Plymouth Calendar Girls, which has grown into a national competition, UK Calendar Girls, one of the largest lingerie modelling competitions in the UK.

My businesses allow me to lead a varied life, from writing articles and chairing meetings to speaking at Calendar Girls events. I’m driven by bringing new and exciting ideas to life. While friends say I’ve done well, I feel like I’ve just begun and am always looking for the next big idea to make a positive impact.

2. How did the idea for UK Calendar Girls come about? What was the vision behind it?

While sightseeing with my girlfriend at the time in New York City in November 2006, I saw a magazine stand in Times Square promoting a local swimsuit and lingerie modelling competition. I wondered if I could do something similar with my Plymouth Oracle magazine, but it wasn’t the right fit for a family lifestyle publication. Then I thought, why not run it as a separate venture? I had the resources: photographers, web designers, and my graphic design skills. My girlfriend at the time (Claire), who was also a graphic designer, loved the idea and began planning the promotional design. At that moment, I knew it had potential, but I didn’t realise how big it would become.

3. Can you walk us through the journey of UK Calendar Girls from its inception to its current success?

I started by sending press releases to local newspapers in January 2007, which were well-received. Then randomly one day at my local gym, a chap approached me called Danny Halsey, a media arts student from Plymouth, and offered to help promote the competition as part of his work experience. He created, printed, and delivered letters to local businesses, generating significant interest very quickly. Inspired by this response, I decided to run High Street Girls as a charity competition, choosing Breast Cancer UK in honour of my mom, who passed away in 2000. With the help of Danny and Claire, the competition took off. After eight successful years, I paused in 2014 due to burnout. However, by 2016, missing the challenge, I relaunched it on a national level.

4. What sets UK Calendar Girls apart from other ventures in the industry?

Since starting Calendar Girls, I’ve aimed to make it inclusive for everyone. Over time, it has developed its own identity, empowering women of all shapes, sizes, and ages to embrace their bodies and try modelling, often for the first time. We’ve removed age restrictions and provided a supportive environment with professional photographers and experienced staff to guide and assist contestants.

We’ve received countless heartfelt comments like, “This day was the best time of my life,” “UKCG has changed my life,” and “This experience has given me back my self-confidence and self-love.” These testimonials highlight what sets us apart in the industry.

5. What are some of the most significant achievements of UK Calendar Girls that you are particularly proud of?

In addition to empowering women, Calendar Girls has donated over £66,000 to cancer and mental health charities, raising significant awareness. This achievement makes me proud, and I enjoy participating in fundraising events. Initially, I suffered from stage fright, but running Calendar Girls pushed me to present in front of large audiences. Now, I not only host the grand finale but also participate in the entertainment, keeping myself focused and challenged.

6. How do you believe UK Calendar Girls has impacted the lives of the models involved and the broader community?

The greatest impact is that Calendar Girls boosts confidence, encouraging participants to try new things. I’ve seen anxious contestants transform into confident and successful individuals. While not all their success is due to Calendar Girls, it certainly helps. Some contestants pursue modelling careers, and we provide unbiased guidance and support. We’ve helped winners secure work with agencies like Models One, Luxe, Runway, Girl Management, and Samantha Bond, with clients including Debenhams, BBC, Sky TV, and Universal Studios.

7. Are there any exciting upcoming projects or ventures for UK Calendar Girls?

Well, I’m thinking about running a UK Calendar Men competition alongside UK Calendar Girls. However, I’d love to collaborate with a TV production company first. If any production companies are interested, let’s chat!

8. What message would you like to convey to young talents who aspire to be part of UK Calendar Girls or the media industry?

Just go for it! What do you have to lose? You’ll get some great photos and a unique experience. Thousands apply to this competition, but many let anxiety stop them before the first photoshoot. Anxiety is a major dream killer. When it tries to hold you back, push through and do it anyway. Everyone you admire has faced extreme anxiety to get where they are. Be proud of yourself for doing something you didn’t think you could. So, do it for you, and make your future self proud.