Jamison Combs

Jamison Combs is one of a growing army of leaders who recognise that brands, products and organisations can go hand in hand with ethical standards and environmental sustainability and still make money. Natural Balance Foods makes natural foods that are good for you and for the environment and also taste great.

Having completed an MBA (Master of Business Administration) in the US, Jamie became involved with the MBA Enterprise Corp. Through the programme, he was sent to Ukraine for two years to help emerging businesses find their feet. The experience was not only incredibly informative but also confidence building. Additionally, it highlighted the powerful impact business can have on important social and environmental issues.

Getting started, Jamie saw an opportunity in the market and had the initiative, business knowledge and experience he needed to make a plan and convince investors that his was a worthwhile venture. He understood that he needed to keep his costs low and structure lean, while making his products and brand premium quality. To do this he initially did all the hard graft himself - he worked long hours, acquired new skills, lived on a budget and invested his own funds into the company. His education and hands-on experience helped him to project absolute confidence about his idea and to choose a business venture that was not just a money maker but also fulfilled his passion for ethical standards and quality products.

There are many people whom Jamie admires and looks to for inspiration, including the founders of Innocent Drinks and Wholefood Supermarkets, and his elder brother Greg, a successful international business leader. He feels that often there is little encouragement offered by employers to their employees: “In my experience, most people, particularly in middle management, are not boldly innovative and are certainly not interested in fostering young people to be more creative.” That said, Jamie is extremely grateful for all the jobs he has done along the way: “Everything is a skill. All skills can be learned. The more you practice the better you get. Improve yourself, learn from everyone and the rest will come. Some things you’re bound to learn the hard way, others the easy way – just be sure to constantly develop.”

In the next two years Jamie will continue to expand Natural Balance Foods within the UK and internationally. He says: “There are more opportunities out there than you can imagine. The question is which ones to tackle first.” In the longer term, he intends to devote more of his time to charitable work and education. “That’s where the deepest satisfaction - and therefore fun - is”. He is absolute proof that you can be business savvy and still have a conscience.