Tom Hunter
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Sir Thomas Blane Hunter is a Scottish businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Having graduated from the Business School of the University of Strathclyde, he began his career by selling trainers from the back of a van, and in 1984 he founded the Sports Division chain of sports shops. He built it up into a leading retailer, and in 1998 he sold the chain to JJB Sports, making him over £250 million.
Along with his wife Marion, Hunter established The Hunter Foundation in 1998, which has donated millions to supporting educational and entrepreneurial projects in Scotland.
In March 2001, Hunter was a founding partner of West Coast Capital, an investment firm. Through this firm he has become a major shareholder in a number of retailers including USC, Office, D2 and Qube. One of his most significant shareholdings is in BHS, of which he owns approximately 8%. Philip Green owns the rest of the business.
Substantial investments in commercial property, shopping centres and licensed premises also contribute to his extensive portfolio.
Hunter was listed on the Sunday Times Rich List 2005 as the 2nd richest man in Scotland, with an estimated wealth of £678m. In the Sunday Times Rich List 2006, he was ranked as the richest man in Scotland, with an estimated wealth of £780m.
Hunter has been a major supporter of Band Aid, donating over £6m to the appeal. The Hunter Foundation has provided £1m to support the Make Poverty History campaign, supported the Live 8 concerts. Topped off with donating £1m to comic relief 2007, matching that earned by "the apprentice".
In 2005 Hunter received a Knighthood for "services to Philanthropy and to Entrepreneurship in Scotland".
Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship within the University of Strathclyde was established with a £5m donation. It has a number of high profile graduates including Ross Renton.
On 17 November 2006, he donated £1 million to the 2006 BBC Children in Need charity appeal telethon, via the Hunter Foundation. On 16 March 2007 he donated £1 million to the 2007 BBC Comic Relief charity appeal, via the Hunter Foundation, to match the £1 million raised during Comic Relief Does The Apprentice
