Hi, I’m John Bennett, a Birmingham-based mediator, mentor, non-executive director and trustee.
Read on to find out more about my commercial experience and qualifications, or if you have any questions feel free to book an introductory call.
Commercial experience
I have over 25 years of commercial experience and have co-founded a number of companies, including the winner of the 2012 Sunday Times Fast Track 100, The Genuine Gemstone Company (now called Gemporia)
During this time I’ve scaled operations for growth, negotiated acquisitions and divestments, created international joint ventures and transitioned Gemporia to employee ownership.
Qualifications & education
Legally trained, but not a lawyer
I have a First Class law degree from Kings College London, and was called to the Bar in 2006 after receiving a Very Competent grade on the Bar Vocational Course, but have not practised law.
This means I have the legal knowledge to understand and discuss complex issues, but I’m free from the adversarial environment of legal practice.
Member of the Society of Mediators
In November 2023 I completed the civil and commercial Accredited Mediation Training course with the Society of Mediators. This course is internationally recognised, and accredited by the CMC and CIArb.
Following my course, I completed the necessary observations and insurance requirements to become a member of the society.
Business qualifications
As well as my practical commercial experience, I have more formal business education, having completed my Executive MBA in 2022 with Quantic School of Business & Technology.
I received the ‘Honors’ classification, meaning my grade was within the top 10% of the cohort.