Five years ago, Andrew Skeene and Omari Bowers were riding high
on the wave of the property boom. But, as the market started to
crumble, they began scouting for new opportunities. The banks and
hedge funds were heading for emerging markets: Brazil, Russia,
India and China, so the entrepreneurs packed in their jobs and flew
over to research trends in land, farmland and cattle purchase.
Today, they are the founders of Global Forestry Investments, a
£7m-turnover ethical investment firm. We gave Skeene and Bowers one
minute to tell their story.
Sum your business up in a
sentence:
Global Forestry Investments is an ethical investment company. We
focus on sustainability in the Brazilian forestry industry,
protecting the land for future generations and helping to change
the world by planting one tree at a time.
What's the business model?
We source timber plantations in emerging markets, predominately
in South America. We package the assets, partnered with our UK
trustees, and make it available to the retail and corporate market.
We have a strong focus on giving back to the local communities in
the regions where we work and seek to protect the rainforests from
unsustainable deforestation.
Who are your competitors?
We are the leading forestry investment company in the UK and try
not to worry too much about our competitors as, ultimately, we're
all working to the same goal of protecting the planet for future
generations and ensuring the land is used commercially in a
sustainable and controlled way.
What's your USP?
For every tree an investor purchases, we will purchase a second
tree in the Brazilian Amazon that will remain completely
protected.
How have you funded it so far?
Global Forestry Investments was funded via the profits we made
as property investors.
What were you doing before?
Omari: I started my career playing for Charlton
Athletic and Wimbledon until I tore the ligaments in my leg which
killed my sporting career. Shortly after, I purchased a property,
did it up and sold it on, making a small profit in the process.
From here I moved into the property sector.
Andrew: I was working in the property market at the
same time, our paths crossed and we started doing more and more
business together until we became partners and GFI was born.
Where did the idea come from?
Omari: When Andrew and I met, we clicked straight
away and began to work together in the property sector. Every
evening we'd speak to each other on the phone and discuss what
business opportunities were arising globally. We read that a lot of
banks were doing land grabs in emerging markets and that the hedge
funds were investing in timber, so we decided to take six months
out, travelling the world and exploring the opportunities
available.
After purchasing a small plot of land in Brazil we moved into
the timber business and, in particular, teak wood. We have now sold
over 500 hectares and are on the verge of signing a deal for
another 1,000. We manage the land and ensure it is protected.
What's the smartest thing you've done so
far?
Bringing in a good PR company that has helped to raise the
profile of our projects.
What's the stupidest?
Everyone makes mistakes but we always ensure we do our due
diligence and go that extra mile. It's important to learn from
every mistake you make and that learning process has got us to
where we are today. I guess you could call it failing your way to
success!
If your business was a biscuit, what would it
be?
It would have to be a mint Viscount: the green wrapper
represents the green aspect of our business and the crunchy biscuit
reflects our willingness to get down to the nitty gritty of the
task in hand. The mint Viscount has also been around for a long
time, which Global Forestry Investments aspires to do too!
Which idea are you a bit jealous
of?
Apple, for their branding and originality.
Where are you going to be in 12 months'
time?
We have some exciting projects in the pipeline that will not
only make us the most recognised green investment company in the UK
but, hopefully, Europe and beyond.
Find
out more about Global Forestry Investments
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