Tim Hames is a specialist in the relationship between politics and business. He began his career as an academic at Oxford University, focusing on American politics and UK Government.

He then joined The Times, serving as Assistant Editor, chief leader writer, and weekly political columnist, and regularly edited the newspaper. During this period, he developed an interest in the rise of China and the workings of the Chinese Communist Party.

Tim later became the Head of Communications and Public Affairs, and subsequently the Director General, of the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA). The BVCA's members include major firms like Blackstone, The Carlyle Group, and KKR, as well as smaller venture capital firms. Tim has extensive knowledge and a broad network within this corporate sector.

Today, Tim is a writer, speaker, speechwriter, consultant, and senior adviser to various entities, including large financial institutions, leading professional service providers, and tech start-ups with potential for significant societal impact. He co-founded Acuti Associates, which advises on domestic and geopolitical risk.

In 2022, Tim co-authored a book with Dame Kate Bingham titled "The Long Shot: The Inside Story of the Race to Vaccinate Britain." The book was serialised in The Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday, became a Sunday Times business book bestseller, and was recognised as a “Best Book for Autumn” by The Times, a Financial Times science book of the year, and a Money Week politics book of the year.