Ken Wells originally wanted to be an architect, but carved out a career in the health and beauty manufacturing business with brands such as L’Oreal and Garnier. Now he has grand designs for his business, KWL.

Founded in 2000, KWL provides retail, sales and marketing consultancy, and product line development for health and beauty brands.

Wells has thus far helped celebrities such as Patsy Palmer launch a range of tanning and skin products, worked with model Victoria Silvstedt on an organic range of skin products, and is now developing a men’s grooming range for jockey Frankie Dettori. Each brand is set up as a separate company, with KWL acting as the parent one.

‘I can bring a brand to market in six months. Each one now has a turnover of £1 million-plus. And as the brand grows, more can be spent. For example, with the Palmer-Cutler range, 40 per cent of the profits are re-invested,’ claims Wells.

Having already seen one of his previous companies, consultancy Cercle Rouge, go into liquidation, Wells is determined this one is here to stay.

‘It was a good learning curve for me. Now I only work with people I know. Trust your instincts when appointing directors – not everyone has the same goals you have,’ he cautions.