CORE International Ecosystem

A deliberately structured global growth environment

Designed to support leaders, advisors and partners at every stage of international expansion.

Introducing the ECOSYSTEM

A connected system supporting the International Growth journey

The CORE International Ecosystem is a structured environment in which each component supports and strengthens the others.

Made up of five Pillars –

Each division operates independently where required, yet remains connected through shared governance, standards and philosophy.

The result is continuity.

The client experience remains consistent – whether engagement begins through education, advisory, digital access, trade mission or regional leadership.

Why we built the Ecosystem

Built from experience. Designed for scale

The Ecosystem was reverse engineereed from what a mature global business requires – not assembled reactively.

Over decades of building international businesses, a pattern became clear.

Growth fails when:

  • Structure is inconsistent
  • Advisors are disconnected
  • Governance is unclear
  • Markets are entered without preparation
  • Responsibility is carried alone

The Ecosystem was built to offer structured support

It provides:

  • Structured international frameworks
  • Aligned advisory collaboration
  • Certified training pathways
  • Continuous digital access
  • Strategic advisory alignment 
  • Scalable, regional growth through licensing

    The Structure

    The Ecosystem architecture

    The Ecosystem operates through structured interconnection.

    • CORE International Academy ensures Understanding before Execution
    • CORE Digital provides Connection and Structured Pathways
    • The Director’s Chair ensures Aligned Expertise around every decision
    • CORE Trade Missions offer real Market Engagement
    • CORE Licensing provides Controlled International Scale
    • Strategic Advisory supports direct Implementation

    International expansion is not one decision, it is a series of decisions.

    The Ecosystem exists to ensure those decisions are made with the right structure in place.

    WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

    For ambitious leaders and proactive advisors

    The Ecosystem is designed for:

    • CEOs preparing for international growth
    • Business leaders scaling beyond domestic markets
    • Advisory firms strengthening international capability
    • Specialist advisors seeking structured collaboration
    • Regional leaders capable of stewarding quality

    Meet the team

    John Holmes

    Founder & Chairman

    John is the Founder of the Core International Ecosystem, a concept which was created over a number of years based on over thirty years' of hands on experience in international business development.

    He continues to be hands on in all areas of the business as well as still actively assisting clients in a direct consultancy role.

    Having travelled extensively throughout his career John has a wealth of experience in project management, systems analysis, business development, business analysis, sales and marketing across a variety of market sectors, both on a national and international basis.

    Coming from an engineering and marine background, during his career John has developed sales and marketing strategies for several major global manufacturing companies, as well as setting up and managing distribution networks in over 70 countries.

    He has also established a number of successful SME businesses both in the UK and overseas and sat as a Non-Executive Director of a number of international corporations, with shareholdings in many others.

    Used to working at board level with customers and colleagues, as well as managing teams and projects on a day-to-day basis, John has excellent presentational skills and is able to prepare and present complex technical arguments with clarity and cohesion.

    Xiangyao Bowler

    Operations Director & Head of Digital

    With over 20 years of experience in international communication, business development and cross border operations, Xiangyao brings a combination of linguistic expertise, entrepreneurial insight and systems-level thinking to the Core Ecosystem leadership team.
    An English and Chinese Chartered Linguist fluent in the nuances of both cultures, Xiangyao has worked at the intersection of language, culture and commerce, helping organisations communicate clearly and operate credibly across Chinese and English-speaking markets — from board-level negotiations to the operational infrastructure that keeps international partnerships running smoothly.
    As Operations Director and Head of Digital, Xiangyao manages the operational infrastructure and digital platform that ensure every client receives a cohesive, high-functioning experience from first engagement to long-term growth.

    Jonathan Barnes

    Vice Chair & Head of Partnerships

    Jonathan is Vice Chair of the Core International Ecosystem and leads Partner Development across the business, as well as holding the Funding Chair within The Director’s Chair. 

    Jonathan began his career with NatWest in 1988, moving on to Santander in 2014 where he continued his relationship management career. In 2025 Jonathan transitioned into commercial finance brokerage with Pomegranate Commercial Finance, enabling him to apply his extensive banking experience in a more independent capacity. Through this role he works with a wide range of lenders, ensuring SMEs gain access to tailored funding solutions that support their ambitions and long-term plans.

    Holding the Funding Chair within The Director’s Chair, Jonathan ensures that businesses entering new international markets are supported by clear and appropriate funding structures, enabling them to pursue international growth with confidence and financial stability.

    Jonathan is widely respected for his calm judgement, commercial clarity and ability to translate complex financial matters into practical guidance. His experience across banking, lending and SME advisory provides an important foundation for the Ecosystem’s mission of helping businesses expand internationally with structure, discipline and confidence.

    Jo Holmes

    Finance Director

    Jo is Finance Director of the Core International Ecosystem as well as holding an Accountancy Chair in The Director's Chair via her firm Strathmore Accountants.

    Jo is a highly qualified Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor with over twenty years’ experience in accountancy practice. During her final exams to become a Chartered Accountant she was a prize winner, attaining some of the highest results in the country.

    Jo was involved in the set-up of Strathmore Accountants back in 2007 has now gone on to take over the day to day running of the practice. However her passion still remains being hands on and she is heavily involved in and oversees all client relationships.

    Since qualifying in 2005, Jo has gained valuable experience with different types of businesses such as professional services, doctors surgeries, retail organisations and manufacturing companies.