New investment in GlobalWelsh

GlobalWelsh is thrilled to announce a new investor to the GlobalWelsh mission, following its drive to increase the number of founding patrons and angel investors into the global initiative.

Phil Buck has invested to help GlobalWelsh build Wales’ first community of influential online diaspora, with a future goal of joining together a million ‘friends of Wales’. The donation will help the initiative create more opportunities and connections - like the Pelican Products, Inc initiative announced in November 2017.

GlobalWelsh aims to use the talents, skills, and goodwill of Wales’ global community to enrich the lives of Welsh people with life-changing, impactful opportunities, and connections between members. The initiative aims to create meaningful impact in terms of the trade, investment and mentoring possibilities between members - and to be a place for ancestors and those with an affinity for Wales to reconnect with Wales.

Since the official launch of GlobalWelsh, members from more than 28 countries have signed up to become both community members and pioneers and Phil’s investment is the latest in a series of investments and donations from well-wishers and Founding Patrons, who so far include Bangor University, Admiral CEO David Stephens and the late philanthropist Bernard Jones MBE.

We will be announcing our latest Founding Patron, someone with a stellar track record in the technology industry outside Wales, in the near future.

Who is Phil Buck?

Phil Buck is an experienced business leader with more than twenty years of experience as CEO of Spencer Coating Group, before selling the company in 2017 to industry giant Axalta Coating Systems. Phil then established Sunnybarn Investments Ltd and now acts as an angel investor in new startups and technology manufacturing businesses.

As well as offering a significant personal donation to the GlobalWelsh mission, Phil will act as an advisor and mentor for GlobalWelsh members and pioneers looking for advice and guidance with international business development, investment, mergers and acquisitions within manufacturing.

Having recently returned to Brecon after 30 years of living and working in England & Scotland, Phil is now investing in projects that inspire and interest him. As well as his involvement in GlobalWelsh, he has just opened a real ale brewery in Portugal, is an investor in SimplyDoIdeas and an investor and Director of Tribune Group.

Phil is an avid reader, having so far completed five University degrees including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Chemistry, History, and Business.

GlobalWelsh Founder, Walter May said:

“Wales' returning diaspora like Phil can have a huge impact on our prosperity, their knowledge, experience and passion to help the next generation is a priceless asset. I’m sure Phil will be able to help Wales’ rising stars, especially those in the manufacturing sector.”

Phil Buck added:

“As someone who left Wales to achieve success and has now returned, I am excited about the GlobalWelsh concept and its ambitious vision for Wales. I look forward to helping Walter and his team in their efforts to support Welsh business”