Insider picks out 25 promising young entrepreneurs to join our Rising Stars every year. Here’s the latest batch of high achieving, ambitious individuals from across Wales.
Pretty much everyone seems to agree that Wales needs more entrepreneurs. But who are these ambitious people who can create companies, generate wealth and provide jobs and taxes for everyone else? At Insider, we have been tracking them down for our Rising Stars every year since 2006. Many of our stars this year are passionate about building companies in Wales, and in the case of Simon Llewellyn and Alexander Lewis, manufacturing in Wales. But Ben Roberts of Clogau Gold says he now employs more people here after outsourcing production.
The toughest decision for some has been to take on staff and delegate responsibility. For driven people, it can be hard to pass work on. But it’s hard to get to the next level any other way. One characteristic they all have in common is determination. That can take different forms, though. Among this year’s crop, Shazia Awan and Rachel Bryan tell how they kept going with their plans despite being advised to change tack or give up. But Helen McAvoy says she altered plans for her drinks company after taking advice. It’s about instinct, but that instinct can sometimes tell you to listen.
BEN ROBERTS, 33
Managing director, Clogau Gold of Wales
Clogau Gold in Rhyl has enjoyed a sterling year so far. International trade has risen by 92 per cent, compared with the same period in 2010. The company gained listings with three airline retail partners and extended listings with partners including Virgin Atlantic. And confirmation that the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding ring would be made from Welsh gold did wonders for the company’s marketing.
Most important decision in business?
It might cause readers to raise an eyebrow, but outsourcing manufacturing overseas. It opened up endless possibilities for us as a business. It removed a very expensive fixed cost for the business and ensured our survival as a brand. It also built in flexibility, meaning that we weren’t supporting a 20 people strong workshop through quiet times. All of a sudden I could concentrate on building systems and processes, and on sales rather than manufacturing issues. Capacity and overheads combined were managed out of the organisation in one difficult but worthwhile decision. Now we employ more people than we did when we manufactured on site and the business is now far more dynamic and successful.
What is your ambition?
It’s something I ask myself constantly because I have many. It must be in my nature to move on to the next ambition as soon as one is achieved. I have an ideal one where I want to be where I can afford to do less work or retire completely, but I am already concerned that I won’t be content when I get there.
SHAZIA AWAN, 28
Managing director, Peachy Pink and Max-Core
Awan’s clever clothes help people to get closer to the body shapes they want, and reduce cellulite. Users include Peter Andre, Amanda Holden, Christine Bleakley and Amy Childs. All this, says Awan, despite being turned away for funding by the bank that she approached.
Most important decision in business?
I always listen to my own instinct. The way we launched Peachy Pink is a classic example. I wanted to launch Peachy Pink by showcasing our products to as many people as possible. What better way to do that than to hire 50 models and send them marching down one of London’s busiest shopping streets in broad daylight? Had I listened to everyone who said that my launch idea was too risky and would fall flat on its face, the launch would not have generated publicity and we certainly wouldn’t be talking about the company now. We sold out nationally in a matter of days and all sorts of expansion opportunities opened up.
What is your ambition?
To continue expanding Peachy Pink and Max-Core into different international territories and set up more new ventures. I am also hoping to start a PhD.
LYN REES, 38
Chief executive, BBI Holdings
The first marketer to join BBI, the medical test gold and materials company in Cardiff, Rees was part of the team that bought out the business in 2000. He helped it through the flotation in 2004 and subsequent takeover by Inverness Medical in 2008 and became chief executive in 2010. The first big project heran was BBI Healthcare, which he started from scratch in 2006, growing it from £400,000 to £12m in three years. Since the Inverness Medical deal he has worked on the Scipac acquisition in 2010 and won a £52m US defence contract the same year.
Most important decision in business?
Making sure that I had the right management team in place to support the rapid growth, and deliver on the aggressive business plans that were set for the business, and reviewing this decision continually. Managing this process through multiple acquisitions and rapid growth is a very difficult task, but the reward benefits far exceed the upfront effort.
What is your ambition?
To consolidate the fragmented medical reagent industry, and widen our reagent offering to include next generation labels and new gold. This will come from a combination of in-house development, acquisitions and partnerships, and from developing relationships with specialist universities and research centres with niche technologies. I want to ensure that BBI’s headquarters remains in Wales. This will bring jobs, opportunities and new technology, all with a significant contribution to the Welsh economy.
RACHEL BRYAN, 24
Director, Veritas Language Solutions
Swansea University graduate Bryan and her business partner Sharon Stephens set up language translation company Veritas in 2009, and the pair are already opening satellite offices in New York, London and Moscow. The company employs more than 5,000 translators worldwide in all commonly used languages. It has diversified beyond the traditional translation service with “Veritas Talk”, which offers users access to an interpreter in more than 150 languages. Bryan says advice from Venture Wales and a graduate start-up bursary helped to get the company started.
Most important decision in business?
To start the company in the first place. When Sharon and I were planning to launch Veritas, after finishing our degrees, we were bombarded with negative advice. Everyone told us how difficult it would be and how it was impossible to set up a business during the recession. But we were successful from day one and believe this reflects our passion, dedication and our positive outlook.
What is your ambition?
To open satellite offices across Europe and in Asia. I am also aiming for the company to branch into new areas of language services, such as cultural trainingand multi-communications. We will introduce cultural training for businesses wishing to export, because understanding the important cultural issues and practices can help a business to greater success. We will also offer language skills support to businesses that are travelling overseas.
ALEXANDER LEWIS, 28
Managing director, Surviva
Former tri-athlete Lewis took on the Dragons’ Den judges and came out with £75,000 from Deborah Meaden after he and his then business partner presented their idea for a heat reflective jacket. It has been a steep start for Swansea-based Lewis, who launched, promoted and sold the jacket internationally within the first 12 months of trading. He’s now launching a range of other products.
Most important decision in business?
To bring the manufacturing process of our products to Wales. For me, bringing employment and a livelihood to people in Wales is more important than anything. It’s something that I feel passionate about and this is reflected in Surviva’s whole approach to business.
What is your ambition?
Before Surviva I was purely focused on winning an Olympic gold medal. Injury forced me out of full-time sport. My ambition is to promote health, fitness and wellbeing nationally and internationally. If I can manage that and stay fit and healthy myself then I will be happy. If I can make some money too, I won’t be disappointed.
DANIEL STEVENSON, 31
Managing director, Total Trade Services
Building services company Total Trade Services in Rhyl is one of the fastest-growing companies in North Wales.
Most important decision in business?
Action to stop a division of the organisation from continuing to operate at a loss, which was made possible only through the strict departmental and divisional reporting processes we put in place. Knowing which areas of the business are profitable and which aren’t is the most important factor overall, followed very closely with people management and investing in people. A profitable business underpins our people as our most valuable assets.
What is your ambition?
To expand the business nationally – a prospect that is not too far away – and to see my management team progress whereby they can easily do it without me.
TROY BAKER, 33
Managing director, Design Reality
Baker’s personal protective equipment design company, based in St Asaph, is a leader in its field. The company’s favourite product so far is a general service respirator for the British Armed Forces, described by defence procurement minister Lord Bach as: “No mere gas mask. It will give our troops unparalleled levels of protection in the field.”
Most important decision in business?
One decision that has given us space to grow and develop, and confidence and security, is in the area of long-term contracts and retainer fees. Our customers want exclusivity and confidence that their investment in design remains with them and is not bouncing around the industry. With the three to five-year exclusivity contract, we can guarantee team members and an almost additional department to their company, while they guarantee income, which gives us security and breathing space to grow the company and develop.
What is your ambition?
I want to build the business to at least double current turnover and manoeuvre myself into a position where everyone and everything is not depending on me. It can be like having a large family sometimes where everyone looks to me as the head of the family to have all the answers. It would be great to take a holiday for longer than two weeks and actually be able to turn the mobile off.
CLAIRE SCANTLEBURY, 30
Co-founder of TEDxCardiff, Ignite Cardiff and Cardiff Web Scene, and marketing manager at Sequence
In 2007, Scantlebury co-founded Cardiff Web Scene, a group for people who live or work in or around Cardiff and have a professional interest in the web. She set up Ignite Cardiff and TEDxCardiff with Neil Cocker (one of Insider’s Rising Stars in 2010) and has since expanded Ignite across the UK.
Most important decision in business?
My career has been made up of taking leaps of faith in areas that I’m passionate about. Having the right support is incredibly important because it allows me to take risks to grow and develop my career. Some of the most important decisions have been who I work with: Neil Cocker is the business version of Mr Motivator; who I work for: Sequence is incredibly supportive of my various projects; and who I married: I wouldn’t have been able to do anything without the encouragement of my husband.
What is your ambition?
Wales is an amazing place and we have such incredible potential. I want to be a part of encouraging, enabling and showcasing the talent that we have. I’m very lucky that my portfolio career has allowed me do all of the above to an extent, so I guess my ambition is simply to do much more of it.
DANIEL LEWIS, 26
Co-founder, phpGenie
Lewis and fellow Newport University graduate Andrew Cargill set up web design company phpGenie at the start of 2010 with a turnover of £100,000, and predict a turnover for the second year of £250,000. The business has more than 200 clients and has worked with International Baccalaureate and Henry Howard Finance. The pair, who are based at Newport’s Beechwood House, have been backed by Venture Wales. They were recently awarded a University of Wales Global Academy travelling scholarship.
Most important decision in business?
When we started to expand we were approached by Alfred Gooding (the former industrialist) who offered to invest in the business in return for a share of the company.The decision was the biggest and hardest we’ve had to make. After much deliberation,we chose to accept, and as a result we’ve been able to grow the business at a fast rate. Thanks to his presence, we’ve also taken on some high-end contacts.
What is your ambition?
We hope to provide a complete in-house online service worldwide, with offices in Wales, London and New York, and become globally known as an efficient, professional and leading name in the online digital industry.
LEANNE EUSTACE, 27
Director, Accounted For
Eustace, a former teacher, set up her accountancy firm in her back bedroom five years ago. The company now has a proper office, staff in Cardiff and is growing fast.
Most important decision in business?
To leave my fulltime job as an accountancy teacher and set up the company. It was the starting point of the business and, as I’d never done anything like it before, it was quite a daunting prospect. I’m glad I went ahead with it; the success of the company so far is enough to let me know that I made the right choice. A leap of faith paid off.
What is your ambition?
More growth. I’m particularly excited to begin rewarding our staff with promotions and start taking on more people so we can benefit from having new skills and supplement our existing team.
SIMON LLEWELLYN, 39
Director, Hot Diggidy Dog
Llewellyn developed a taste for hot sauces while working in the oil industry in West Africa. When he was made redundant, he chose to set up a sauce making business in Barry. He has recently landed a contract with Selfridges and expanded to a 3,000 sq ft factory.
Most important decision in business?
Not to “sell out” the production to a third party co-packer. I believe in the Tabasco business model of building, over time, a solid structured company that treats its team very well, where employees enjoy coming to work, and go home with a sense of achievement. For me it is important that the staff we have so far are the backbone of the business, and we encourage them to explore their capacities to the full and to be an integral part of our growth. Our guys have taken the rough with the smooth and we are stronger for it. I am grateful for their help.
What is your ambition?
To grow the brand worldwide, then explore many other avenues using the power of the brand.
CHRIS WARE, 29
Director and founder, Funky Pump Fitness
Four years ago, Ware set up his fitness class company with five participants. The combination of boxing skills and an aerobic workout in a nightclub setting started to catch on, and he moved to Swansea’s Escape nightclub. He put the profits into his own gym, introduced Funky Pump merchandise and extended across South Wales. Ware and his business partners have now devised a franchise model, which led to a gym opening in Glasgow in April. Further deals are lined up for Bristol, Southampton and Birmingham.
Most important decision in business?
To go with my gut instinct and open my own gym. I had the added responsibility of ensuring that bills were paid. This decision, however, gave me a platform to build on the popularity of the classes and launch more. It has also given me a stable base to train for my own boxing career; I recently turned professional.
What is your ambition?
To keep Funky Pump bouncing for the next ten years by bringing through fresh exercise enthusiasts and by continuing to evolve the classes and remain current. To build on the brand by promoting the franchise model to cities and towns throughout the UK. Ultimately my dream would be for Funky Pump to become a nationwide fitness concept. I also plan to expand the merchandise we offer.
PHILIP PAYNE, 37
Managing director, Mulberry Wealth Management
Payne’s financial advice firm in Cardiff has bought three practices in the capital.
Most important decision in business?
Becoming directly authorised by the Financial Services Authority in 2005. This has allowed us to build our business model without restrictions or interference from third parties, which quite often have different agendas to our objectives and goals. Over the past decade many networks and intermediary firms have got into severe financial difficulty as regulation and legislation constantly changes, and with them working on such tight margins this means they have brought down the financial advice firms they represent.
What is your ambition?
To realise the potential of our financial advice model, which will include doubling the size of our operation and premises in Cardiff over the next few years, and then to extend our brand and service to other key markets across South Wales.
SAM JONES, 33
Creative director, Weekend Offender
Jones is half of the team behind the £1m a year Weekend Offender fashion label, which draws on popular culture, drug references and football. He also runs a clothing shop in Merthyr Tydfil, which was named as one of the top five independent fashion retailers in the UK by Esquire magazine and picked up a gong at last year’s Merthyr Tydfil Business Awards. His fashion agency sells to independent stores across Wales and the South West of England.
Most important decision in business?
To keep going with Weekend Offender after a bad start and approaching the right investors who could take the company further. If I hadn’t done this at the right time, then we would not be where we are today.
What is your ambition?
To take our clothing label as far as we can and turn it into a massive brand generating good profits through this recession. I want to be known for making good quality, functional garments and intend to be a label that all stores want to stock. Our label is making waves in the fashion industry at the moment and I am proud that it was started in Merthyr Tydfil. Even though our offices and production are elsewhere, it will always be a Welsh brand.
HELEN MCAVOY, 23
Co-founder, MK Rock
She set up her first company at 18, an ethical distribution business now called Dwyfor Coffee Company South Wales. Now McAvoy and business partner Naomi Kibble hope to shake up the drinks industry with their pre-mixed cocktails, known as KiiBS until now. A rather catchier new name will be unveiled soon. Support has come from Welsh Assembly Government grants, the Princes Trust and Shell Livewire. Product launch is scheduled for August.
Most important decision in business?
We were determined to raise significant investment and immediately distribute nationally through large supermarkets. But trusted advisers felt that we should soft launch in a city or region first, rather than going national straight away. We decided to soft launch in Cardiff and Bristol this year, and subsequently supply nationally and internationally. With this strategy we can build creditability, iron out supply chain problems, tweak our pricing and ensure that we’re offering customers the best product possible.
What is your ambition?
My immediate ambition is for the drinks to be wildly successful. I’d like to continue starting new companies and get involved in other business ventures and investments. I have no idea what industry or region these ventures will be in, but I’ll certainly remain in the smaller company sector, which is where I’ve discovered the highest proportion of motivated, interesting people.
ANNA BASTEK, 30
Chief executive, Wolfestone Translation
Bastek runs a translation business that employs 25 staff in Swansea and has a network of thousands of translators worldwide. The company leads the UK Association of the Translation Companies, which puts it in a position to help set industry standards.
Most important decision in business?
Learning to delegate to free myself to work on the business rather than in the business. Investment in marketing, people and technology helped Wolfestone Translation to be successful. Also adding additional services to add value to our clients.
What is your ambition?
To grow Wolfestone Translation and focus on my new business ventures. I’m involved in an online TV programme The Biz Miss, an initiative that helps women to start their own businesses. It’s like Dragons’ Den only less scary. I’d like to share my business experience to support new business ideas and help other people to achieve their full potential. I will continue doing more inspirational talks, and I would also like to write a book in the future and inspire people.
GARETH MORGAN, 30
Managing director, Liberty Marketing
Morgan set up Liberty two years ago and has built it to become, he says, the largest team of online marketers in Wales with ten employees and clients including the Millennium Stadium and Traveline Cymru.
Most important decision in business?
To specialise. We are only good at one or two things. People are often surprised that we don’t offer offline marketing and that we don’t design or develop websites, as most of our competitors do. Our job is to use search engines and social media sites to direct relevant traffic to our clients’ websites and increase their sales. It means we can concentrate on keeping ourselves at the front of this niche.
What is your ambition?
For Liberty Marketing to be the largest and most respected online marketing agency in the UK, made up of some of the best talent but still with the ability to work with small and large companies. Personally, I would like to develop other business interests in the future and acquire further property, as this has always been a passion of mine.
CHRIS THOMPSON, 26
Managing director, Kick It Sports Coaching
Since the company was set up to provide after-school football coaching in 2006, Kick It has expanded across North Wales. The services have expanded to include children’s coaching in the school holidays, and more sports including rugby, netball and cricket. Further expansion is likely within months.
Most important decision in business?
To expand and to take on more coaching staff. In the beginning I did a lot of the coaching, so I was only able to be at a couple of schools at once. The decision to take on more coaches meant that we could widen the area that we coached in, and give more children the opportunity to join one of our courses. It was a hard decision to make because I then had the responsibility of many coaches and not just myself, but it meant that Kick It was able to expand across North Wales.
What is your ambition?
To expand across Wales and into England. By expanding further we can include many more children; also by expanding further we will be providing more job opportunities for coaches. New ventures will include PE lessons, evening and weekend coaching and tournaments within the next few months.
ABI CARTER, 27
Director, Forensic Resources
Carter’s forensic science consultancy firm provides expert witness services and forensic testing, mostly to legal and insurance firms. It has secured what she calls “a staggering amount of case work” since it was set up three-and-a-half years ago.
Most important decision in business?
To expand the management side of the workforce. We had a lot of repeat clients and so cases were coming in thick and fast. As a result I couldn’t manage the workload alone and had to employ others to help me. This was a frightening prospect, but in the end I found two brilliant candidates who have helped me push Forensic Resources to where it is today.
What is your ambition?
To expand the management and expert teams, to allow us to launch into the international market and become a world leader in forensic testing and expert witness services for multiple judicial systems. The international work will take a new management team that will run this side of the company independently while the UK hub of Forensic Resources continues. This is an exciting venture that will bring new dimensions to the company.
SIMON BEST, 32
Chief technology officer, BaseKit Platform
Web development technology company BaseKit Platform has done well in the funding stakes, raising more than £6m from investors including Eden Ventures, Nesta and Nauta Capital. The company was co-founded by Best, who is based at its Chepstow office. Recent deals include a contract with 123-reg, the hosting and domain registration company, to provide its website builder.
Most important decision in business?
To build a great team. Businesses are never successful because of one person; you need to build a great team that can help to build momentum towards your goals. I hear about people being protective about their ideas and equity at an early stage, but the reality is that the equity will be worthless unless you can get the right people together to execute on the ideas.
What is your ambition?
For BaseKit to become the number one website building platform. The website market is huge, with tens of millions of domains being purchased every year. In a lot of countries, most businesses will have a website, but there are parts of the world where the internet hasn’t seen the growth we’ve seen here in the UK, so the demand is growing on a considerable scale. When we reach a million users that will be a real milestone for me. We’re well on the way to that target.
CLAIRE EVANS, 38
Chief financial officer, Atlas Elektronik UK
Evans became finance director and joined the board of Atlas, a Newport naval defence contractor, in 2009. The past 18 months have been challenging, she says, as the company has gone through big changes, notably through the acquisition of defence technology group Qinetiq’s underwater division based in Winfrith, Dorset. She has just picked up the Institute of Directors’ award for young director of the year in South Wales.
What has been your most important decision in business?
The integration of the acquired business from Qinetiq in Dorset with our existing manufacturing activity in South Wales. This challenge was made considerably more complex due to the cultural and geographic differences between the two companies. The combination of both of these businesses gave us opportunity to pursue our overriding objective to maintain our share of the UK MoD research and advice market while exploiting its technology development into the supply of system solutions and products to the military maritime home and international markets.
What’s your ambition?
To establish Atlas as a key defence player in the UK with a strong global presence.
ED BARNETT, 25
Director, Cartridge Mate
At 22, Barnett became a director of the printing supplies business I-Tel Supplies, where he created a customer relationship management, ordering and warehouse software package. His latest printer cartridge supply business, based in Cardiff, has won support from the Prince’s Trust and Assembly Government and is likely to make a profit this year.
Most important decision in business?
Leaving my previous employer and setting up my own business. I have such an overwhelming amount of energy that I never knew about, and owning my own company allows me to vent that energy and work to my maximum potential. At the moment I don’t feel I could work for anyone else.
What is your ambition?
My ambition is to become a “Dragon” by 30. It sounds a little clichéd but essential because I want to be perceived as a great leader, be successful and to have invested financially and managerially in a number of business ventures. A much more focused ambition is to rapidly develop and expand Cartridge Mate and plan for an exit in five years.
RICHARD GODFREY, 33
Founder and director, A Space in the City
Godfrey set up his serviced accommodation company in Cardiff as a sole trader. The company now employs 17 staff, turns over £1.4m a year and has entered the standard lettings sector.
Most important decision in business?
Leaving a partnership agreement to set up A Space in the City. Employing an operations manager to oversee the day-to-day running of the company so I can concentrate on building the business has brought huge benefits, allowing me to concentrate on growing the company. Finally, bringing the housekeeping function inhouse sets us apart from our competitors, which contract this function out since this is an area in which many accommodation providers often fail to impress but is probably the most important function of our industry.
What is your ambition?
To build the A Space in the City brand across Wales by growing our serviced accommodation portfolio and our lettings agency. We have implemented a strategic growth plan that incorporates these objectives, combined with the aim of rolling out our presence across the rest of the UK.
KARL DOODY, 27
Managing director, 27 Stars
It’s not easy building a software company from scratch in rural Wales, but that’s what Doody has done with 27 Stars in Welshpool. His company builds web, database, mobile, and tablet software for oganisations including Google, Unilever, Bupa, Aegon, Birmingham City Council, Plaid Cymru and the Welsh Conservatives.
Most important decision in business?
Investing time and energy in selecting the right people to join the team. There are intangibles that business processes cannot and should not patch up – you rely on your people to do a quality job on a very personal level.
What is your ambition?
To apply the extensive knowledge and experience we have to improving as many businesses as we can. Our success is sure to carry on if we focus simply on this: helping our clients to be more successful.
DAVID GREENHAF, 31
Managing director, Pure Vans
After being made redundant, Greenhaf set up Pure Vans, which sources vans and lorried for companies and councils, with just £200. Driven by the pressure to pay the mortgage, and with advice from Centre For Business, he generated £1.1m turnover in the company’s first year. The company is now based at Phoenix Business Park in Newport and he has taken on his first member of staff.
Most important decision in business?
To move to new premises. I went from virtually no overheads, by having the business based at home, to much greater overheads of an office in a business park. But this move has given the business more credibility, with a more professional face, and people have more confidence to rent and buy more vehicles.
What is your ambition?
To carry on building the company, to make it one of the largest vehicle sales and lease companies that I can then pass on to my children. I hope that this lasting legacy will help them achieve their own goals in life, while the business I created develops even more.
Also in: June 2011
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