MoneyPetrol is excited to announce Chris O’Brien as our first guest. He joins us for the first GrowthGurus segment and unpacks his stories starting his businesses in Scotland and expanding to Dubai.
Starting with the Nevis Range in Scotland, Chris and his business partner, John, kept sustainability at the forefront of their venture. The award-winning outdoor range features a gondola, a hotel built from recycled materials, and various adventure sports.
Chris shares his grievances seeing the direct impacts of climate change on the mountains where Nevis Range is located. Some countermeasures they implemented include a hydroelectricity plant which supplies energy for most of the range.
Energy security is crucial for the commercial viability of such businesses in the UK and Nevis Range achieved a carbon neutral status and are well on their way to reaching Net Zero.
Furthermore, Chris explains how he launched Wild Woven Dubai, a retail and travel experience rooted in Scotland’s cultural identity. Bringing this cultural enterprise to Dubai, as Chris hopes, would interweave the two cultures and be a successful first expansion out of Scotland.
Chris’s journey managing a carbon-neutral resort in the Scottish Highlands to bridging cultures by launching Wild Woven Dubai proves that sustainability and culture can thrive commercially. As climate change reshapes business embedded in nature, entrepreneurs like Chris are relying on creativity and innovation to preserve what matters.
Experience Scotland’s whisky culture and craft traditions by visiting Wild Woven Dubai at the Carlton Downtown Hotel.
For more stories from founders and business leaders in Dubai, follow Money Petrol. If you would like to be featured on our business podcast, get in touch at contact@moneypetrol.com.
