Tom Hunter facts for kids

Sir Thomas Blane Hunter (born on May 6, 1961) is a well-known Scottish businessman. He is also a philanthropist, which means he uses his wealth to help others.

Building a Sports Empire

Thomas Hunter started his first business right after college. He got a £5,000 loan from his father. He also got the same amount from a bank. He began by selling sports shoes from the back of a van.

From Van to Europe's Biggest

Hunter worked hard to grow his business, called Sports Division. It became the largest independent sports retailer in Europe. In 1998, another company, JJB Sports, offered to buy Sports Division. They paid £290 million for it. This deal made Hunter £252 million.

Other Business Ventures

After selling Sports Division, Hunter continued to invest in many different businesses. He worked with banks to expand his investments.

Investing in Property and More

A bank manager helped Hunter get into property development. He bought shares in companies that built homes. These included Crest Nicholson and McCarthy & Stone. He also invested in hotels like Travelodge. He even invested in fun places like Alton Towers theme park.

Helping Friends and New Markets

In 2013, Hunter gave a large loan to his friend David Moulsdale. This helped save Moulsdale's company, Optical Express. Later, in 2020 and 2021, Hunter sold shares in a company called The Hut Group. He still owns a large part of this company.

West Coast Capital Investments

In 2001, Hunter helped start West Coast Capital. This company manages the Hunter family's investments. Through it, he became a major owner in many retail stores.

Retail and Beyond

He invested in popular shops like USC and Office. He also owned a part of British Home Stores (BHS). Over time, he sold many of these retail investments. West Coast Capital also invested in garden centers.

Adapting to Changes

At one point, West Coast Capital invested in over 50 companies. However, during the financial crisis, Hunter sold some of his investments. He lost some money in companies like Crest Nicholson. Today, West Coast Capital focuses on property, online businesses, and data analysis. It also helps fund The Hunter Foundation.

Giving Back: Philanthropy

After selling Sports Division, Hunter decided to stay in Scotland. He realized that making money was only part of life. He was inspired by Andrew Carnegie, a famous philanthropist. Carnegie believed that "a man who dies rich, dies disgraced."

Starting The Hunter Foundation

In 1998, Hunter and his wife Marion started The Hunter Foundation. They began with a £10 million donation. The foundation supports education and business projects in Scotland. It also helps with sustainable development in Africa. They work with former US President Bill Clinton's foundation.

Making a Bigger Impact

Hunter uses a method he calls "venture philanthropy." This means he not only donates money but also gets involved. He encourages others to invest with him. This helps make a bigger difference with his donations.

Key Projects and Donations

Hunter's foundation has supported many important causes:

• £6 million to the Band Aid appeal.
• £1 million to the Make Poverty History campaign.
• Supported the Live 8 concerts.
• £5 million to create the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship at the University of Strathclyde.
• £4 million to the Children in Need charity, including for the Rickshaw Challenge.
• £1 million to the Comic Relief charity.
• Donations to the William J. Clinton Foundation.
• Backed Entrepreneurial Spark, a program for new businesses.
• £1 million to the Alzheimer's Society and Music for Dementia.
• Offered to match donations for Paddy McGuinness's Children in Need challenge.

Recognition for Giving

In 2013, Hunter received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. This award is sometimes called the "Nobel Prize for philanthropy." It honors people who use their wealth for the public good. He dedicated the award to his father.

Public Life and Politics

Hunter has also been involved in public and political matters.

Political Donations

In 2001, Hunter was one of the biggest donors to the Labour Party in the UK. He gave £100,000 to their main office.

Scottish Independence Debate

In 2014, Hunter launched a website called scotlandseptember18.com. This site aimed to provide fair information about the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. It focused on 16 key questions about the debate.

Awards and Honors

Hunter has received several honors for his work:

• 1997: Alumnus of the Year by the University of Strathclyde.
• 2005: Received a knighthood for his work in philanthropy and business in Scotland.
• 2013: Awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.

Personal Life

Sir Thomas Hunter is married to Marion, Lady Hunter. They have three adult children.

Wealth and Home

In 2001, Hunter reportedly spent £1 million on his 40th birthday party. Stevie Wonder performed at the event. The party was held at his home in Cap Ferrat, France. He later sold this home for a reported £55 million.

In 2007, he was named Scotland's first home-grown billionaire. His wealth was estimated at £1.05 billion. However, due to the financial crisis of 2007–2010, his fortune decreased. In 2021, his wealth was estimated at £729 million.