Carl Haffner Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

In addition to our core services, we offer specialised security advice not only within the cannabis industry but across various sectors. Our expertise extends to private and defence security, including comprehensive equipment procurement and supply. We are adept at project management for private sector software products, tailored for both private and defence applications.Our experience in the defence sector encompasses managing security operations, conducting risk assessments, and implementing advanced security solutions. We provide strategic advice on integrating security measures into both physical infrastructure and operational protocols, ensuring robust protection against potential threats. Our proficiency in defence also includes consulting on technology integration, compliance with stringent regulations, and the development of bespoke security strategies to meet the unique needs of defence clients.We also specialise in advising and consulting cannabis companies of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises. Our guidance helps you navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry. With four years of direct experience at the forefront of a large, ambitious cannabis startup, we have a proven track record of transitioning from a greenfield site to full GMP production. Our hands-on approach ensures that we work closely with you to plan, design, build, or reorganise your business or facility.Our team’s diverse skill set enables us to tackle all challenges you might face, driving you towards the ultimate goal of full commercialisation. We are committed to aligning with your expectations and achieving your objectives, ensuring a successful and sustainable growth trajectory.

Freelance Consultant• Provided high-level strategic consultancy to companies and government entities, specialising in military-grade security solutions and advanced technology integration.• Directed comprehensive risk management strategies for companies operating in geopolitically sensitive regions, ensuring operational continuity and resilience.• Developed and implemented frameworks for business continuity and security innovation, focusing on technology-driven solutions that enhance competitive advantage.• Supported clients in leveraging cutting-edge security technologies to address evolving geopolitical risks and safeguard critical assets.

Ely, Cambridgeshire, Gb

Working with the GRS team, advising and consulting Cannabis companies large or small, startup or established. Guiding them through the challenges they face in this industry. Having spent 4 years at the very sharp end of a large ambitious cannabis start up, I have the experience in starting from a greenfield site to full GMP production. With a very hands on sleeves rolled up approach, myself and team will help you plan design build and or re orgainse your business/facility. Between the team's skill set we can help you face all these challenges, to get to the main goal of full commercialisation. Working on your expectations to achieve your goals. With specific focus on Compliance, regulation and operations.

Advising on the strategic pathway of the business and software packages.

Facility Design and Construction Oversight:Leading the design process of the facility to ensure adherence to GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practice) and EU GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards.Overseeing the construction and setup of the facility, ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory requirements.Collaborating with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure the facility meets medical cannabis cultivation needs and regulatory standards.Collaborating with the cultivation and research teams to develop improved cannabis cultivation techniques.Assisting in the implementation of new cultivation systems and technologies.Conducting research on cannabis strains to optimize therapeutic effects.Staying updated on global best practices in medical cannabis cultivation and recommending suitable adaptations.Engaging in continuous learning about the medical properties of cannabis, ensuring that cultivation practices produce the desired therapeutic outcomes.Monitoring the health of plants and ensuring they meet the company’s strict quality standards.Documenting cultivation processes, research findings, and standard operating procedures.Participating in regular team meetings to discuss developmental projects, set priorities, and adhere to timelines.Supporting the production team in ensuring product compliance with local and international regulations.Providing insights and feedback for the continuous improvement of cultivation processes.

As Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer my role was to support the CEO, as a member of the board for 4 years I assisted in the fundraising, the strategy direction and building out the total business to date. My main focus and efforts were based in Colombia and building the world class GACP & EU GMP cultivation and extraction facility from a green field to a fully functioning extracting and validated facility. Please see my CEO role in Avida Global SAS Colombia.Valuation at exit £30m

CEO of the EU GMP Cultivation & extraction Facility in Colombia. This role started from the inception of the company, where the whole facility was designed from a green field to a fully functioning business.- Lead the full design and build process from start to finish through ISO Certification and GACP, EU GMP Compliance.- Develop and manage the budget for the build-out project as well as initial operations, in conjunction with the topco team.- Carried out the lead of the license application and regulation process with the various authorities in Colombia.- A full handle on the local Geopolitical landscape in the region we operate.- Leading and implementing a full security and integrated management system for all areas of the facility.- Overall, in-charge of the budget and spend.- Building out a commercial team and setting the plan around local and export sales.- Creating the strategic pathway to revenue and expansive growth.- Lead all departmental functions to drive the business forward, increase profit margins and limit waste generation with lean management.- Project management for facility buildouts, to oversee the SOP document generation, equipment sourcing and process engineering and optimisation.- Lead the Development, updates, and maintaining SOPs and Quality Manuals in and training all team members across the division.- Lead the Development and validation analytical methods for cannabinoid potency on HPLC, residual solvent and terpene analytical methods on GC-MS, pesticide and mycotoxin methods on LC-MS/MS.- Successfully launch initial product SKUs while developing IP formulas and product lines for the branded product lines.- The development of department managers to create a cohesive and well-run processing operation and quality assurance program.- Ensure compliance with regulations through auditing and quality systems.- Lead and assist all team members with critical and technical review of documents, test results, procedures, and equipment.

Leicester, Leicestershire, Gb

As the Founder, CEO and commercial/sales driver, I have successfully built it up to become a leading designer, developer and manufacturers of energy efficient LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting technology in the UK and across the world.I have created offices in the UK in Leicester and London, and operations in Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Turkey and the United States (Offices in Miami, Atlanta and Philadelphia).I started this business with £500 and built it to £17M with 10 staff. Some of the clients, Heathrow Airport T3, Coca Cola and Pepsi in the US, Local Authorities in the UK. Excited in October 2018.

I joined initially as Head of Business Development leading equipment sales into food, retail, convenience, education and healthcare sectors operating through 5 divisions: i) Design ii) Manufacturing iii) Signage iv) Interiors and v) Display Equipment. Growing the business by 35% in 3 yearsIn 1999, I gained Board approval, to form and launch a new export department, winning extensive new business with customers in the Middle East (including KSA) South Africa, Russia and Hong Kong. Taking the department from £0 to £2.5M in 3 years.

The sales of machine oils for industry around the Midlands area of the UK. Supplying products to engineering firms mainly in the motor industry, in addition to fine oils for the motor sport industries such as Williams, and Jordan F1 teams.

As an Insurance sales associate, it was a self employed position, we had to generate our own leads and client base. Advising on Insurance, Pensions, Mortgages and talking about investments.

Wholesale supply of House Plants to Garden centers through out the UK.