The Art of Business

“I have known John Pennington for twenty years as both a colleague and a friend. He is strong in his convictions and resolute in his efforts but never closed to the opinions of others and always keeps an open mind. Above all, he has a clear sense of justice and a firm belief in what is right and marries this to a compassion for the welfare of others. He is a tough negotiator and possesses an innate drive to constantly progress to success in every venture he undertakes. He has a wide experience within commerce and the commercial world, covering property, regeneration, hotel management and business facilitation, but has a passion for the arts, which is how our paths came to cross. Perhaps his greatest asset is his ability to keep perspective, regardless of the success or failure of any venture, and to constantly remain his true self..”

“As a multi business founder and entrepreneur, I'm always searching for highly credible strategic and tactical associates - as well as sage counsel. John is best-in-class and over his distinguished career has experienced a wealth of scenarios, spanning various sectors. He is truly globally connected across a vast number of industries and our relationship has proven to be an outstanding source of introductions, leading to significant mutual benefit. He has rapidly become a highly valued and trusted associate to me (and to dozens of other entrepreneurs over the years). From investments, to development of projects to promoting the highest calibre corporate culture and behaviours, John draws upon over five decades of operating experience to provide indispensable access, contacts and knowledge. His wisdom comes from a combination of hard work, his own entrepreneurial journeys, working with a vast community of businesses and entrepreneurs - plus deep reflection of what works and doesn't. It has been a genuine pleasure to work with John and I am delighted to be closing a number of diverse and highly valuable contracts together. Besides his professional expertise, John is a great human being whom I envisage will remain a highly regarded associate over the long term.”

“I have had the pleasure of working with John for more than ten years. During this time, John has been a formidable force in supporting our business and has helped us to expand worldwide in investment consultation and red line strategies. We have been operating in the renewable green technologies environment and the astro-physics sciences, utilising viable natural occurring energy for cutting edge power technology in the humanitarian and security enterprise. John’s expertise and network base has allowed a greater, and faster reach into international Governments and major corporations. This has provided a framework(s) for our operations in extremely complex and highly regulated industries. John not only engages on a professional basis but takes personal ownership to achieve business success. I would recommend John to any person(s), start-up, or corporate entity that requires an experienced commercial sherpa in order to take advantage of market penetration and expand the global footprint.”

“I met John through recommendations and since then our charity has worked with him to develop new approaches and formulate growth. John’s knowledge and experience are excellent; his network, especially in Essex, is extensive. John's professional and outcome-focused approach leads to progress and creates growth.”

“I first meet John in Oxford when we were personally invited to Oxford PV which was a start-up company with a patented product for glass windows using solar technology. After our initial meeting we knew we shared the same passion and ethos for business and issues of climate change. We started the journey by looking into battery energy storage. I’m delighted to say that after five years John has helped create AceOn Group as a leader in this field to supply and educate this new emerging market.”

“I have known John Pennington since 2003, when I left the Special Air Service (SAS) and ventured into the business world. John has helped me forge business links that have helped me to grow my business portfolio and expand my contacts within the world of domestic and global security applications. In addition, he has supported my long standing passion for establishing anti-poaching practices in the protection of the African elephant and other endangered wildlife. John is a great mediator and can get to the heart of the matter in an efficient manner that puts all at ease and produces real life results. John is a stalwart for tradition and efficiency with a no-nonsense approach. He bases his decision making in concluding what is the right and correct action and delivers in a manner that is beneficial to all parties.”

“I am a journalist - specialising in European news - a real estate advisor and an Ocean Yacht Master with experience in the implementation of port, maritime and logistics projects. I first met John Pennington when I was, for four years, Councillor for Ports, Fisheries and Aquaculture in the City of La Línea. John Pennington and his partners teamed with us, in a Public-Private Partnership arrangement, and we freed the abandoned port from the legal obstacles that impeded its development. We convinced the port and state authorities that the location was more than adequate to build a state-of-the-art marina which would provide first class services, not only to small and medium-length vessels, but also to super-yachts and mega-yachts.”

“Having worked with John on a number of projects over a number years, he has been very helpful in creating and bringing together contacts to make very successful business opportunities. With John's professional and courteous manner I wouldn't hesitate to utilise his expertise and experience in many more business meetings and decisions going forward in the future.”

“I was introduced to John in 2021 and he subsequently volunteered to mentor me as I transition from corporate management to a more entrepreneurial role. I have benefited from his balancing view and experience in a wide range of situations and his ability to unpick complex problems and get to the root of how I can apply myself to achieve the best possible outcomes. I really enjoy the stimulating and challenging conversations and appreciate his perspective on a wide range of situations and subjects. I feel that I have benefitted from his calm, wise and generously shared experience.”

“I have had an association with John for a number of years and most recently, we have teamed up our respective business ventures as they are very complimentary to each other. John is great to deal with: always professional, yet maintains a relaxed approach to our dealings.”