Grant Smith
CEO | Hand in Hand Group
Bio:
Grant Smith is a quantity surveyor who has worked with international construction companies and managed his own consultancy practice in the UK for over thirty years. In the year 2000, Grant recognised that construction work in Kenya had a response to poverty, commercially creating fairer pay and apprenticeship opportunities. He committed himself to finding sustainable solutions to transform individuals and societies.
Grant is now the CEO of Hand in Hand Group and a director of a Kenyan construction company. Grant is the chair of Hand in Hand Foundation.
Having worked in both the commercial and charity sectors, I believe there are times when charity is definitely needed, but responsibly driven commercial business has a response to poverty. Millions sponsor a child's education for 14 years. Invest in commercial business, building properly affordable houses, paying construction workers according to productivity achieves; quality homes for lower income groups, construction workers paying their own school fees with their own dignity and the investor gets their money back plus a return.
As a committed Christian, my beliefs determine how I live and how I do business, we are called to be good stewards of what God has blessed us with. Jesus loved the whole person; we attempt to demonstrate the love of Jesus to everyone who works with us. I am professionally and personally committed to creating a commercial response to poverty.
I have had the privilege of being married to Sue since 1985 and have three children I am very proud of. I am an active member of Tile Kiln Church with particular responsibility in teaching and building management. I am workplace speaker with LICC and the author of The Accidental Social Entrepreneur.