Neil Ward

Saving Rainforests, Engaging Individuals, Empowering Change

Greater London, England, United Kingdom

About

Every 2 seconds, an area the size of a football pitch of tropical rainforest is lost, putting mankinds very future at risk. At MyGreenSquares, we are on a mission to combat deforestation and protect our precious rainforests using an innovative approach called 'The Collective Power of One'. Our global solution is rooted in the belief that every individual has the power to make a difference. Through a combination of sustainable engagement strategies and rainforest protection initiatives, we aim to reverse the alarming rate of deforestation and secure the survival of these invaluable ecosystems by saving them one square at a time through corporate sponsorship As a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation, I have honed my expertise in designing and implementing impactful campaigns that drive awareness, change behaviors, and mobilize resources for rainforest conservation projects. I have successfully fostered collaborations between corporations, NGOs, and government agencies to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Our approach revolves around harnessing the power of technology, social media, and community engagement to reach a wider audience and inspire action. By empowering individuals, businesses, and organizations to join the movement, we will create a global network of changemakers working towards a common goal. With a proven track record of engaging diverse stakeholders, MyGreenSquares is committed to creating a future where rainforests thrive. By preserving biodiversity, we not only protect the habitats of countless species, but also preserve essential ecosystem services that benefit humankind. Join us in unlocking the power of sustainable engagement and protecting the rainforests. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Experience

  • Chief Executive Officer at MyGreenSquares Ltd
    Jul 2023 - Present · 3 yrs

    Every 2 seconds, an area the size of a football pitch of tropical rainforest is lost, putting our planet's future at risk. At MyGreenSquares, we are on a mission to combat deforestation and protect our precious rainforests using an innovative approach called 'The Collective Power of One'. Our global solution is rooted in the belief that every individual has the power to make a difference. Through a combination of sustainable engagement strategies and rainforest protection initiatives, we aim to reverse the alarming rate of deforestation and secure the survival of these invaluable ecosystems by encouraging companies to join our programme and save valuable squares of rainforest one square at a time and to be able to demonstrate that engagement to their customers and foster their loyalty. As a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation, I have honed my expertise in designing and implementing impactful campaigns that drive awareness, change behaviors, and mobilize resources for rainforest conservation projects. I have successfully fostered collaborations between corporations, NGOs, and government agencies to develop an innovative sustainable solution. Our approach revolves around harnessing the power of technology, social media, and community engagement to reach a wider audience and inspire action. By empowering individuals, businesses, and organizations to join the movement, we will create a global network of changemakers working towards a common goal. With a proven track record of engaging diverse stakeholders, MyGreenSquares is committed to creating a future where rainforests thrive. By preserving biodiversity, we not only protect the habitats of countless species, but also preserve essential ecosystem services that benefit humankind. Join us in unlocking the power of sustainable engagement and protecting the rainforests. Together, we can make a lasting impact and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

  • CEO at Financial Energy Limited
    Sep 2016 - Present · 9 yrs 10 mos

    Financial Energy is a consultancy and finance brokerage business primarily working in the alternative energy business to provide 100% project finance. It also provides consultancy to companies world-wide by providing assistance with business plans and planning and introducing them to institutions looking to invest in this market sector. A Business Consultancy providing strategy, business planning and financial forecasting & fund raising advice to alternative energy businesses helping them to: - Ensure clarity of strategic objectives & implementation approach - Provide technical support - Prepare their documentation in an acceptable format for investment - Assist with their fund raising - Drive digitalisation of business Overview of a few of the Projects I have led - €30m solar farm project in the Ukraine - £10m++ electric vehicle charging station and solar farm roll out - Business planning and refining of financial model for a Portuguese company operating in Brazil seeking a $50m investment Key Activities: executive leadership, strategy development, board participation, new business development, client relationship management, marketing, team leadership, team development, client satisfaction, mentoring, coaching, financial management, turnaround and transformation, change management, strategic partnerships.

  • Director at HowCompliantRU Ltd
    Nov 2016 - Feb 2018 · 1 yr 4 mos

    HowCompliantRU operated the most compliant payment service solution in the UK. It is a software solution that combines right to work checks and tracking, HR and administration streamlining, compliant payment services for the construction industry to provide a single solution for Contractors and ensures they are compliant with HMRC regulations. It has been confirmed as the most advanced system in the market by the customers and provides a single integrated solution to replace the 3 or 4 currently being used. Roles and responsibilities • Planning – Using the Waterfall approach I was responsible for executing the project planning and design, using existing software to adapted for the Payment Services industry. • System - The system was built using Coldfusion with SQL and was self-funded with the first iteration being delivered within the 4-month allotted time frame allocated. • Company Strategy - Running alongside the project management I was the team leader to design and execute the company strategy and the procedures for communicating this to the clients • Responsible for marketing activities, presentations and design • Legal contracts – wrote the legal contracts for approval by external solicitors for contractors and workers. • Business planning – Headed the team to design the business structure and sales approach and produced the financial forecasting and business plans • Financing – negotiated with investors ready for the launch of the business

  • Chief Executive Officer at Green Squares Global
    Jul 2010 - Oct 2016 · 6 yrs 4 mos

    Green Squares Global created the world’s first on-line loyalty and engagement solution for representing Responsible Capitalism for companies called Green Squares. A programme to reward loyalty, to consumers and stakeholders within and associated to a business, for their continued purchasing.Rewarding Rewards. Role and responsibilities: • Led the management team which included the COO, CFO and legal advisors, setting targets and salary packages • Led the project and managed the team to ensure that the end to end objectives were met. • Responsible for the 2nd IT phase plan and design • Led the team to define the execution and vision for the company • Responsible for business development and for implementing the company's long-term strategy. • Led operations and the strategic, business planning, operations, sales, developing global relationships, product and brand development. • Created the development of the forestry protection program. • Project managed a subsidiary forest protection consultancy company with projects in Columbia, Brazil, Australia, Papa New Guinea and the Philippines. Achievements: • The delivery of the initial software phase within the budget and on time. • The design of a programme to bring financial sustainability for forestry projects It was recognised by the World Bank as a viable alternative for funding the protection of Rainforests. • Negotiated a $100m contract with Acre to develop REDD programmes and sustainable commerce. • Negotiated financing contracts with other Brazilian forestry projects. • Led the team for the creation of a software solution • Reduced costs for companies by up to 50% for lead generation. • Negotiated with major companies and organisations such as UEFA to implement the system. • Organised and spoke at a conference in the Philippines for over 1,000 people

  • Business Development Partner at Frequent LLP
    Apr 2005 - Jul 2010 · 5 yrs 4 mos

    A company that offered a unique holiday bond programme for employees that took advantage of a tax break to reduce the cost of holidays and corporate National Insurance Contributions through employee salary sacrifice. Roles and responsibilities: > Led the team to negotiate £1m funding from a venture capitalist. > Spearheaded and devised the sales strategy which was rolled out nationally through Employment benefit companies. > Created the training packages for distributors. > Marketing and presentation design > Negotiated the stock allowances with Resorts Condominium International to fulfil the holiday requirements using excess short-term rental stock, and tax experts to meet compliance requirements. Key Achievements • Created a regulated holiday bond based on the Resorts Condominium International (RCI) point’s scheme. Companies invested in the Bond and the returns part paid for the RCI points whilst also producing a return for the company and a saving in corporate NIC • Extensive and delicate negotiations with RCI to secure the world wide holiday destinations and the excess villa rental stock. • Secured the necessary regulatory requirements from the financial services authority in co-operation with a regulated financial services company. • Following a successful launch at MIPIM in Cannes, entered into negotiations valued at over £85m. • Designed and implemented a 5 year business development plan to take the business to a £8m profit within 5 years. • Closed a UK agreement with Schroders for their employees and a benefits provider, Mercers, to act as a distributor to their clients. • Redesigned the product offering after a change in the taxation law by the Government.