Serial entrepreneurs, Andrew Skeene and Omari Bowers have launched a successful investment company selling – well, trees

Andrew Skeene, co-founder of Global Forestry Investments has an unusual background for an entrepreneur and philanthropist. After failing to make the grade as a professional footballer with Crystal Palace, at 16, he began selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door. From there he moved into the retail sector, which was followed by a successful venture in the property market, where he established Positive Finance.

His business partner, Omari Bowers began his career with JP Morgan, as trade floor support. While working there, he started to purchase properties, renovate them and sell them on at a profit. He was running his own successful lettings and management office by the time he was 28. It was at this point he met Skeene, who was running a similar business and they started working on projects together.

Five years ago, Skeene and Bowers were busy making their fortunes, riding high on the crest of the property wave. However, when the market started to crumble, they realised it was time to look for other opportunities. It was around this time that they stumbled on the notion of forestry investments…

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