Nathaniel Peat

Nathaniel Peat
EducationBrunel University - BEng (hons) Mechanical Engineering, MSc Advanced Manufacturing Systems
OccupationEntrepreneur
Years active2007–present
Websitewww.nathanielpeat.com

Nathaniel Peat is a British-Jamaican social entrepreneur, and international motivational speaker known for his work in youth empowerment, renewable energy, and diaspora engagement. He is the founder of The Safety Box, a nonprofit organisation focused on violence prevention and youth development, and a co‑founder of Gennex, a renewable‑energy company operating in East Africa.

Peat is also a co‑founder and patron of the EY Foundation, which supports young people facing barriers to employment.

Peat has served in several advisory roles, including as the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Representative for the South of the United Kingdom and as a member of the Lloyds Banking Group Black Business Advisory Committee. His work spans social impact, climate action, diaspora policy, and support for underrepresented communities in business and education.

Career

Entrepreneurship and Early Work

In 2006, Peat founded the nonprofit organisation The Safety Box,[1] which uses grassroots methods to interrupt violent behaviour, build entrepreneurship, and support achievement in young people through alternative curriculum programmes in British schools and prisons.[2] That same year, he appeared on the BBC Three reality television series The Last Millionaire, winning the third episode set in Cairo.[3] Peat was a co‑founder of Gennex, a renewable‑energy company established in Kenya in 2013.[4] He is also a co‑founder of the EY Foundation, where he initially served as a trustee before later being appointed a patron.[5]

Awards and Recognition

In 2015, Peat received the Governor-General's Achievement Award for Excellence, presented by His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, recognising his contributions to the Jamaican diaspora.[6] In 2016, he was listed in The Financial Times UPstanding Leaders Powerlist.[7] In 2018, he was named to the newspaper's list of the Top 100 minority ethnic leaders in technology.[8]

Speaking Engagements

Peat delivered a TEDx talk titled Learning by Doing – Connecting rural African women to science, innovation & technology on 20 February 2018 at TEDxBrunel.[9] In 2024, he was invited by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to speak at United Nations COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the organisation's efforts to highlight the role of diaspora communities in global climate action.

His participation formed part of the IOM's Diaspora for Climate Action (D4C) programme, which aims to integrate diaspora voices into national and international climate discussions. COP29 took place from 11 to 22 November 2024.[10]

Consultative and Advisory Roles

Peat has served as the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Representative for the South of the United Kingdom, elected for two consecutive terms (2020–2023 and 2023–2026). In this capacity, he acted as a consultative advisor to Jamaica's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, contributing to diaspora engagement, trade and investment and humanitarian initiatives.[11][12] Since 2021, Peat has served as a member of the Lloyds Banking Group Black Business Advisory Committee, which provides guidance on improving outcomes for Black‑owned businesses in the United Kingdom.[13]

References

  1. ^ "Knife crime: Blunting the edge". The Guardian. London. 1 July 2008. Retrieved 1 July 2008.
  2. ^ Golden, Josie (2 September 2008). "How to stay safe on the streets". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 2 September 2008.
  3. ^ "The Last Millionaire". BBC Three. Retrieved 13 November 2008.
  4. ^ "Gennex Renewable Energy". YouTube. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  5. ^ "Our Patrons". EY Foundation. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  6. ^ Tingling, Marlon (17 June 2015). "Diaspora Members Recognised for Service". Jamaica Information Service. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  7. ^ Hoyos, Carola (16 May 2016). "Diversity champions: UPstanding's top 100 ethnic-minority executives". Financial Times. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  8. ^ "The UK's top 100 black and minority ethnic leaders in technology". Financial Times. 14 November 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  9. ^ "Learning by Doing – Connecting rural African women to science, innovation & technology". TED. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  10. ^ "Nathaniel Peat to speak at COP29 in Baku on sustainability and climate change". Our Today. 2024. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  11. ^ "Jamaica Receives Humanitarian Supplies from UK Diaspora". Jamaica Information Service. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  12. ^ "Diaspora Elects New Members to the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council and Youth Council". Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (Jamaica). Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  13. ^ "Our journey supporting Black-owned businesses". Lloyds Bank. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
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