Giving Back

At its simplest, giving back is expressed through philanthropy, charitable donations, and practical support for programmes that improve lives.

It also means recognising the advice and guidance Avi received from others throughout his entrepreneurial journey, and believing he now has a responsibility to pass on learning and insight to the next generation of founders and changemakers.

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 across his companies, and Avi is a contributor to mentoring programmes run by the City of London’s Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs. He also acts as a mentor for start-ups supported by the UK Department for International Trade.

Avi served on the Court of the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs for five years, contributing to its development and growth. His contribution was recognised 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 developing solutions to tackle significant social and environmental challenges.

In addition to mentoring, Avi works to promote and strengthen business and cultural links between the United Kingdom and his home country in his voluntary role as Honorary Consul for South Africa to the UK, a prestigious position awarded to him by the President of South Africa in 2011.

More recently, through his work in Zambia, Avi has supported community initiatives including food donations to an orphanage, reflecting his belief that impact should be practical, local, and delivered with humility.