GlobalWelsh, Wales’ grassroots diaspora community, welcomes Phil Buck, founding director of Sunnybarn Investments Limited, as its latest Founding Patron.
Phil Buck, who grew up in Monmouthshire, went on to have a successful career in the coatings industry, away from Wales. Most recently as CEO and majority shareholder of Spencer Coatings Group, which he grew to be the UK’s largest independent coatings manufacturer. Following the sale of the company in 2017 to NYSE-listed coatings Axalta Coating Systems, Phil founded Sunnybarn Investments Ltd, based in Brecon.
A focus of Phil’s investment strategy is Welsh innovation. Investments so far have included SimplyDoIdeas; Careercake; Digital Asset Services; Tribune; DronEvolution; and is also providing mentoring and advice as a member of the Board at SmartStorm and Baglan-based Hexigone, whose ‘game changing’ non-corrosive coating recently made the news.
Having spent most of his career in Scotland, Phil witnessed first-hand how the Scottish successfully leverage their diaspora network, GlobalScot. Playing a role in securing Wales’ future success through diaspora engagement is something Phil feels passionate about,
he comments:
“I believe that Wales has such huge economic potential, as testament to that I have invested heavily a number of exciting Welsh businesses over the past 18 months. This is different to my other investments, for me supporting GlobalWelsh is a legacy investment in Wales’ future. Having seen it for myself, I know that growing and nurturing the diaspora community will prove itself to be fruitful, not just for those involved now, but for generations to come.”
As Founding Patron, Phil joins Warren East, CEO, Rolls-Royce; Heath Davies, CEO, Clearswift; Mike Powell, chairman, FlyBondi; and Lyndon Faulkner, CEO of Pelican Products, and an array of leading Welsh businesses, to be the latest individual to significantly invest in GlobalWelsh’s mission to find, connect and engage Welsh diaspora around the world.
On Phil’s investment in GlobalWelsh, CEO Walter May said,
“Having been a member of the Welsh diaspora himself for 30 years, Phil fully understands the opportunity that connecting with this hugely valuable source of knowledge and support presents for Wales. It’s fantastic to have the backing of such an astute businessman and investor and thank him for his generous donation which will help us to scale and grow the community further.”
GlobalWelsh is looking for a limited number of additional Founding Patrons. Individuals or organisations, whose passion, values and ambitions align with its mission to connect Welsh diaspora around the world. If you, or your organisation, are interested in getting involved, please get in touch with Walter via [email protected]
