Adopt a Business

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Possibility for investment

The business is currently looking for capital investment to underpin a domestic and international growth strategy. The business is looking for; 1. An immediate investment of £125,000 in order to increase product penetration of existing market segments and support product range development 2. A further £400,000 to be invested in £100,000 tranches over 2 years from 1st April 2010 in order to fund international expansion These funds can be provided by either; 1. A single strategic investor with the motivation and means to address the full funding requirement. 2. A number of smaller investors interested in supporting the business’s growth incrementally or as part of a syndicate. A business plan can be supplied to interested parties.

Company details

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What does it do?

Adopt a Business is an executive development business that arranges work placements in developing countries for managers from blue-chip companies. The executives work with organisations that drive social change.

How is it social?

The activities of this business help partner organisations (NGO's and SME's) in the developing world to advance. Partners benefit from the input and advice of a short-term project management placement from an experienced professional representing a developed world organisation. The experience also provides personal and professional development opportunities for the individual assigned to a placement and will bring further benefits to their own organisation upon their return.

Matthew Farmer has received two awards recognising the company’s support for the developing world from UnLtd, the foundation for social entrepreneurs.

What is its business model?

Adopt a Business facilitates knowledge and skill-sharing between developed and developing world businesses by arranging international work placements for experienced individuals. Assignees are given a month or two to conduct a project within their host company that will be of long-term benefit. The company’s principal aim is to provide a beneficial contribution to the developing world, use business for good and provide valuable personal experiences.

This is achieved through the delivery of a structured assignments that are undertaken by high-achieving and senior executive staff of blue-chip companies (AAB's clients). The developing world benefits by getting access to capable, well trained people with up to date business skills, energy and focus. The blue chip companies benefit from providing inspirational, experience-based development opportunities to their most valued staff, which in turn helps to motivate, retain and develop them.

Its history

Adopt a Business was conceived in 2002 by a team of IESE Business School students, led by current MD, Matthew Farmer, and incorporated in the UK in April 2004. The founders collaborated with Zurich Financial Services (ZFS) who have been sending UK-based managers to work in India as part of their management development programmes since 1993.

Adopt a Business's aim was to provide a way in which companies could make a contribution to the developing world that also made business sense. Since incorporation, the business has shown that a well managed process of short term secondment to social sector organisations in the developing world provides meaningful leadership development. Furthermore, Adopt a Business has demonstrated the commercial viability of its business model. The business's 'Outzone Experience', launched in 2003, augmented and packaged the original programme and made it available to all companies. Many of the original team remain with the company today.

More information

Current shareholders:	Matthew Farmer
Chair:	n/a
Year of incorporation:	2004

Company snapshot

Company type:	Ltd
Address:	Unit 2, Uffcott Farm, Uffcott, Wiltshire, GB, SN4 9NB
Telephone:	+44 (0)7970 512271
Blog:
CEO:	Matthew Farmer, Managing Director
Industrial sector:	Training and employment
Social / Environmental benefit:	Community development; Developing countries;
Certifications:	Not Applicable;
Social business sector:	Education and Training;

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