Rob & Paul Forkan

The story of Gandys began with a family adventure. In 2001, Rob and Paul’s parents sold everything they owned to travel the world with their four children, believing life experience and cultural immersion offered the greatest education. Travelling and volunteering across countries including India and Sri Lanka, the brothers developed a love of adventure and began imagining products they wished existed for travellers like themselves.

Tragically, in 2004, Rob and Paul lost both parents in the Boxing Day tsunami in Sri Lanka, an event that changed their lives forever. Despite unimaginable loss, the brothers remained determined to honour their parents’ spirit of adventure and commitment to helping others.

Inspired by the travel experiences they shared as children, Rob and Paul founded Gandys — a travel lifestyle brand created with a social purpose at its heart. Guided by the philosophy “Designed in London, Inspired by Travel, Fuelled by Giving Back”, the business donates a percentage of profits to charitable initiatives supporting children and communities affected by hardship.

Alongside building Gandys into a globally recognised brand, the brothers established their charity, Orphans for Orphans, with the ambition of creating children’s campuses and support facilities for vulnerable young people. On the 10-year anniversary of the tsunami, they opened their first children’s home in Sri Lanka, providing education, skills training and community support for local families.

Their remarkable journey has attracted international recognition, earning support from figures including Sir Richard Branson and invitations to share their story at Buckingham Palace with Prince William and Prince Harry. Honest, inspiring and deeply authentic, Rob and Paul speak powerfully about resilience, entrepreneurship, purpose, social impact and turning adversity into opportunity.

To book Keynote Speakers Rob and Paul Forkan, Contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com