Giving Back

At the simplest level, this is expressed through philanthropy, donations to charity, and practical support for charitable programmes.

It also means recognising the invaluable advice and guidance Avi received from others on his business journey and believing that he now has a responsibility to pass on his learning and insights to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

As Avi says: “If you find yourself in the position where you’re able to impart knowledge which potentially helps others to make a positive impact, by taking just a few hours out of your evening once a month, then why on earth wouldn’t you?”

Avi and his leadership group have mentored young people at his companies, and Avi is a contributor to mentoring programmes run by the City of London’s Company of Entrepreneurs. He also acts as a mentor for start-ups working with the UK Department for International Trade.

Avi sat on the Company of Entrepreneurs’ Court for five years, playing a key role in its development. His contribution was recognised earlier this year as the Company achieved full livery status. Avi was also the first sponsor of the Company’s EASI initiative. EASI (Early-Stage Innovators) is an annual award that provides support to UK-based social innovators working on innovative solutions to tackle significant social and environmental challenges.

Additionally, Avi works to promote and improve business and cultural links between the UK and his home country in his voluntary role as an Honorary Consul for South Africa to the UK, a prestigious position awarded to him by the President of South Africa in 2011.