Category

Entrepreneurs

Francis eyes Zenith renaissance

‘We were already in the nursery sector, but not in a big way,’ explains Ringo Francis, chairman and chief executive of cleaning products supplier Zenith Hygiene.

Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs

Charles Howson: Turning debts into profits

Most entrepreneurs are optimistic types who might regard insolvency as the last thing to focus on when growing their business!

Entrepreneurs

Building the winning team

I've started several ventures as an entrepreneur, bought companies as the head of an international group and also invested privately. The net result of all this activity – containing as it does my own fair share of failures as well as successes – is that I've ended up with some pretty strong views on what makes a successful business.

Entrepreneurs

Martin Webb: Worldly-wise Webb

Martin Webb has dabbled in DJ’ing, bankrupted a design company, and successfully launched and sold bar chains and radio stations. His current ventures include an exclusive French adventure centre, a printing website and a not-for-profit pub. And he still finds time to star on Channel 4.

Entrepreneurs

Stephen Archer at Spring Partnerships avoids complacency

Stephen Archer is CEO of business growth consultancy Spring Partnerships. Established in 2002, the company now boasts annual sales of £3.2 million and an impressive list of blue-chip clients, though reaching this level has not been easy.

Entrepreneurs

Cash Generator plays to its strengths

Brian Lewis opened his first outlet selling second-hand goods in 1994, offering televisions, trombones and a lot more besides to the residents of Bolton. Now, there are 80 Cash Generator stores across the UK and annual turnover exceeded £50 million last year.

Entrepreneurs

Thomas’ TMTI looks to the future

Entrepreneur Crispin Thomas hopes to raise up to £10 million for TMTI, a company that helps consumers use complex mobile phones, ahead of a projected AIM float.

Entrepreneurs

Adding value and creating distinction in your business

You can create and sustain a competitive advantage – and attract outside investors – if you build value and differentiation into the DNA of your business, says Chris Ingram.

Entrepreneurs

Thomas’ TMTI looks to the future

Entrepreneur Crispin Thomas hopes to raise up to £10 million for TMTI, a company that helps consumers use complex mobile phones, ahead of a projected AIM float.

Entrepreneurs

Adding value and creating distinction in your business

You can create and sustain a competitive advantage – and attract outside investors – if you build value and differentiation into the DNA of your business, says Chris Ingram.

Entrepreneurs

Tony Rafferty: Guerrilla of printing

It’s no mean feat transforming a business dabbling in music flyers into a £20 million print franchise. GrowthBusiness gets to grips with the brains behind the Printing.com empire.

Entrepreneurs

Business Briefing: Anthony Clarke

Anthony Clarke is chairman of the British Business Angels Association (BBAA), the new trade body for angel investors in the UK. He’s driving the BBAA’s campaign for greater understanding of angel financing and the benefits it can bring.

Entrepreneurs

Gordon Robson: Mobile ambition

Gordon Robson developed the UK’s first multi-chat telephone system, invented the concept of newspaper phone services and even pioneered telephone voting for television. Now he’s at the helm of Stream Group trying to reinvent the way we bank, pay bills and even place bets.

Entrepreneurs

Mitchell Tonks: Respect your shareholders

Mitchell Tonks has proved seafood restaurants do make money - Fishworks, the OFEX-listed (Now PLUS Markets) restaurant chain he founded in 1994, turned in its first annual profit this year. With five sites now up and running, Tonks has plans for another 15 establishments.