Why would an Australian devote his time to helping entrepreneurs in Australia to headquarter in the UK?
Andrew Corbett-Jones
It’s a question I’m frequently asked, often with a note of suspicion. But it’s an easy one to answer - if you’re serious about growing a global business then the UK is a great place to be.
And, in fact, many of the entrepreneurs I meet are already convinced of that.
A personal passion
My role within in the GEP then is to find the best entrepreneurs in Australia and New Zealand and link them into our extensive UK networks.
My passion is helping businesses to develop and execute innovative growth strategies.
Compelling path to growth
Since joining the GEP in 2006 my focus has been identifying successful companies and entrepreneurs in Australia who recognise the need to trigger true growth by relocating to the UK.
Entrepreneurs and early-stage tech companies here are developing world-leading technologies. I filter through the wealth of clean-tech and ICT entrepreneurs in this region in order to feed the UK’s hunger for innovative technology solutions. The GEP's links with Government support programmes offer these firms a compelling path to international expansion.
Strategy, advice and entrepreneurship
I have a rich blend of entrepreneurial, corporate and strategy experience underpinning my role as dealmaker.
When based in London in 2000, I designed and implemented online strategies for clients such as Redwood Publishing, British Telecom, Molton Brown, Diageo, and Absolut.
I am currently director of Sydney-based firm Thumper One, which advises and incubates technology companies, predominantly in the ICT and clean-tech sectors, the co-founder of a boutique corporate advisory firm providing strategy and capital-raising services to a broad range of clients and the Director of an Australian biotechnology company involved in organic waste recovery and biorefinery research.