Wales needs more young entrepreneurs – and the good news is that it has a decent stock of them. Here are 25 of the ambitious leaders Insider has discovered. We ask about their motivations and plans.
One of Wales’ best-kept secrets is its abundance of business talent. Some entrepreneurs move away, such as Sir Terry Matthews or Sir Christopher Evans, but do their bit by investing here.
Others have chosen to base themselves in Wales. By doing so, they benefit not just themselves but the people they employ, the service providers and suppliers they use and the Welsh economy in general.
Wales needs people to create more medium and large-sized companies and lift its economic performance.
So here are 25 determined, focused, competitive young men and women who have a fair chance of doing just that.
They all come from across Wales, all sectors, and all ages up to 40. What they have in common is that they want to succeed.
This year, among the company bosses, we have included a handful of rising stars from larger businesses. Perhaps they will rise to the top, or perhaps they will strike out on their own one day. Either way, it makes sense to salute entrepreneurial talent wherever it appears.
We also catch up with two rising stars from 2006 and 2007. And we hope to bring you updates on the progress of this year’s group in the future.
DAVID LOOSEMORE, 33
MANAGING DIRECTOR, LOOSEMORE HOME
Loosemore’s company has grown rapidly since it was set up in 2002. He recently beat competition from major housebuilders to acquire a development site in Cardiff’s Pontcanna. The company also picked up Residential Developer of the Year at the Insider Property Awards 2008.
What pushes you on? “A strong competitive instinct and a real enjoyment of what I do.
I have a fantastic team and a great pool of consultants.”
What next? “Build on the brand and extend our interests to include bespoke offices and larger mixed-use schemes.”
LLYR JONES, 29
DIRECTOR, BML BIO-FUEL
Corwen farmer Jones started the UK’s first cooperative incinerator, MALAC, with a group of peers from the local area. His latest venture is the first coldpress oil seed rape plant in Wales.
It is expected to produce 1.3 million litres of green fuel and 2,500 tonnes of high-protein cattle meal per year.
What pushes you on? “The feelgood factor of helping the environment, local economy, and to sustain my income.”
What next? “Looking into making straw pellets for household heating using straw from the oil seed rape plant the farmers plough in.”
JO DANIELS, 37
FOUNDER AND CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER, Q CHIP
Daniels founded Q Chip in 2003 with business partner Mark Barry to commercialise microfluidic technology from Cardiff University. Early planning meetings were held in a coffee shop in Cardiff’s Newport Road. Since then the company has raised £3.5m, employs 15 staff and recently refurbished its offices and laboratories – opposite the same coffee shop. New products have been launched this year.
What pushes you on? “I want to prove that a young woman can grow and sustain a business in a high-risk sector.”
What next? “You need money to make money. A successful exit from Q Chip will provide me with the track record and finance to continue building entrepreneurial companies.
Next time round I’ll be looking at non-scientific ventures – perhaps a chain of hot-housing coffee shops.”
GAVIN JOHNS, 40
CHIEF EXECUTIVE, EPITIRO
Johns set up what would become Epitiro in March 2000 and then moved it from a software engineering company to one with a portfolio of broadband performance-measurement products. The company, based in Cardiff, is now established in New Zealand and Australia, and recently raised funds from Finance Wales.
What pushes you on? “The satisfaction of conceptualising a service or product and doing what it takes to make it successful in the global market.”
What next? “I plan to launch Epitiro’s services throughout Europe this year, so consumers and internet service providers across the Continent can benefit from the same type of broadband performance-measurement information we offer in the UK.”
LUCY COHEN, 25
DIRECTOR, MAZUMA
Co-founder of accountancy services company Mazuma, which is on course for turnover of £1m this year – well ahead of its £120,000 business plan target. What pushes you on? “The need to carve out my own destiny, to succeed and reap the financial rewards.
What next? “Take over the world, obviously.” SOPHIE HUGHES, 25 DIRECTOR, MAZUMA Co-founder with Cohen. The pair met at Howell’s school in Cardiff, elected to work rather than go to university and met up again in further education. The company has more than 500 clients and recently expanded into London. Innovations include the Purpleforce outsourced receipt and invoice book-keeping service.
What pushes you on? “My desire to succeed and to make Mazuma a household name.” What next? “We want to expand Mazuma so that it becomes a national company, as well as expanding our services into other sectors to grow the business to its maximum.”
SHAUN OXENHAM, 40
CHIEF EXECUTIVE, ENFIS GROUP
Shaun was managing director for Europe of Ubiquity Software, the telecom products company.
He joined lighting technology company Enfis when it was set up in December 2001. Under his leadership the company, which is based in Swansea, has grown from 30 to 200 employees and floated on AIM.
What pushes you on? “My personal satisfaction comes from building excellent teams, motivated by a shared ambition to create world-class products in Wales.” What next? “No plans beyond a desire to develop the full potential of Enfis and its pioneering technology for the benefit of our customers, shareholders and employees.”
JAMES HUGHES, 31
FOUNDER, SPHERE SOLUTIONS
Hughes set up recruitment company Sphere Solutions with partner James Parsons in 2005 to serve the construction industry. This year, the company will post sales of more than £4.5m, compared with £200,000 in year one.
What pushes you on? “The daily buzz of knowing you have helped secure a promotion for an individual who has been stuck beneath a glass ceiling is a big driver, as is completing an assignment that has been challenging.”
What next? “Increase Sphere’s regional presence by employing more staff and expanding into other sectors – architectural and international, for example. This will come through office expansion and investment. We are looking to expand geographically.”
MARK WATKIN JONES, 39
MANAGING DIRECTOR, WATKIN JONES GROUP
Established in 1791 Watkin Jones & Son is one of the UK’s longest-established builders.
Mark Watkin Jones took on the role of managing director of the company in 2002. Since then turnover has almost doubled to £108m, profits have quadrupled to £12.8m and the company’s landbank value has increased from £27.6m to £71.9m. Student accommodation and brownfield site regeneration are key areas of expertise.
What pushes you on? “Setting and working to a business plan and achieving the objectives.”
What will you do next? “Continue to grow the business, despite uncertain economic conditions, by focusing on markets that are still active.”
ROSA FERNANDEZ, 30
PARTNER, JOHN COLLINS
Fernandez knew from an early age that she wanted to be a lawyer, but coming from a family of six, she knew it would be tough financially. So she set up her own cosmetics business and opened a shop in her home town of Aberystwyth. That made a profit and enabled her to do her A-Levels.
She was the youngest solicitor to qualify in Wales in 2001 and went on to work for the Engineering Employers' Federation before returning to Wales to join John Collins & Partners. She became the first female partner in the firm’s commercial division in 2007 and managed to get the loss-making employment team to make a profit.
What pushes you on? “My drive and ambition is for results, and working as I do – communicating, involving, developing and encouraging people – I have found is a formula for success.”
What next? “I will continue to develop my team in terms of its client base, team members, processes and products, and I aspire towards equity partnership in my firm.”
MIKE YOUNG, 37
SALES DIRECTOR, PUGH COMPUTERS
Young joined Pugh Computers, a supplier of software to the education and voluntary sectors, in 1988 and became sales director in 1991. He took the company to a turnover of £15m. He is now branching out into leisure and has bought Neuadd Farm, a five- star holiday complex near Llandrindod, Wells.
What pushes you on? “The desire to exceed customer expectation striving to be better than you were the day before.”
What next? “Growing and developing Pugh as the major multichannel reseller in the education and learning sector. Neuadd Farm has received planning permission for four new cottages and an indoor swimming pool. Longer-term plans include Canadian log cabins.”
ADRIAN LEWIS, 28
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, FIRE WITHOUT SMOKE SOFTWARE
After finishing a software degree at Imperial College, Lewis moved home to Wales and set up FWOSS. Imperial College was its first customer. “Since then we’ve taken on staff, developed a unique product that I’m incredibly proud of, worked with some great customers on some really exciting projects all over the world,” he says. “We’ve now got staff in Wales, Cornwall and London and, if I say so myself, a pretty cool business model for future development.”
What pushes you on in business? “People around me, on a personal and business level.
My family, personal goals and a wish to see companies in Wales competing properly on a global scale.”
What next? “Sell our software internationally – I’m looking at setting up bases in the US at the moment.”
PETER BALLANTYNE, 34
MANAGING DIRECTOR, ST PADARN PROPERTIES
Ballantyne was part of a team that made Ballantyne Homes one of the most popular housebuilders in South Wales. That company’s success gave him the confidence to start St Padarn Properties.
What pushes you on? “I have a burning desire to succeed.”
What next? “Continue to grow St Padarn by building houses that people want to live in – in areas they want to live in.”
MIKE DEACON, 40
FINANCE DIRECTOR, INETEC
Deacon sold Chesilvale Electronics at the height of the telecoms boom to a US conglomerate and managed the later integration of the team and business. He has also led Inetec through a series of venture capital funding rounds.
What pushes you on? “Driving innovation and success into business and delivering the highest standards possible.”
What next? “I will be closing a £110m funding round into Inetec to build a food waste-to-renewable electricity power station, taking Inetec a step closer to becoming the biggest and greenest company in Wales.”
BARRY EVANS, 38
REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR WALES, BORDERS AND
WESTERN SHIRES, ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND
Evans, who lives in Pontardawe near Swansea, is one of the fastest risers in the banking sector, winning a promotion pretty much every year, including his move to regional director this year. He is part of the RBS Executive Talent group for potential executive leaders.
What pushes you on? “To be seen as a leader who encourages all people in my team to learn, try new things, to share winning ideas and, in so doing, strive to become better each day.”
What next? “Be successful, have fun, enjoy, continually learn and challenge myself and those around me.”
PHILLIP TOVEY, 25
CHIEF EXECUTIVE, INTEGRITY TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY
Tovey set up his training company in his garage in 2004.
The business grew and moved to Abercynon, and was rebranded as Integrity this year. He has launched three further companies this year in the care, recruitment and consultancy sectors, and also owns an Indian restaurant in Merthyr Tydfil.
What pushes you on? “Making a difference and offering a professional service.”
What next? “Continue to grow and expand my companies, offer quality services to consumers and continue to explore other possible markets.”
NATALIE MORGAN, 35
MANAGING DIRECTOR, FARTHINGS OF COWBRIDGE
Morgan trained with the Roux brothers in London and became sales firector at caterer ISS Eaton, where she was responsible for £23m turnover and 70 contracts with the likes of Channel 4, the London Stock Exchange and Visa International.
She moved back to Cowbridge in 2000, bought Farthings restaurant and has since built a catering group that includes a bar, delicatessen and events management company.
What pushes you on? “I have a passion for the industry and all that I do. I have a constant desire to learn, try out new ideas and be one step ahead of the competition.”
What next? “Continue to improve Farthings with more staff training and development and investment in the property. As far as outdoor catering and the shop is concerned, we need to start speaking to venues about getting on nominated catering lists.”
NIGEL GREENAWAY,
34 PARTNER, BERRY SMITH
Greenaway became an equity partner in Cardiff law firm Berry Smith at 28. In the six years since, the firm has grown from 11 staff to 115. He led the firm on the opening of a London office in 2005, rebranding in 2007 and the opening of a Bristol office in 2008.
What pushes you on? “The concept of being a businessman and a lawyer. Being one of the owners of Berry Smith gives me the direct strategic input on the exciting bits, as well as the law.”
What next? “We are considering the opportunities that 2011 will bring with the changes in the law due to occur at that point. My desire is to take our brand on to the next level – and in more locations. An office in Vancouver would be nice.”
ALED WILLIAMS, 39
DIRECTOR, KON-X
Williams worked as regional sales manager for Konica Peter Llewellyn, an office equipment franchisee. He left in 2005 to set up his own equipment business, which quickly won a contract with Olivetti. The company is picking up customers in Mid Wales, North-East Wales and Cheshire, well beyond its Bangor base, and is looking for larger premises in the area.
What pushes you on? “To control my own destiny and build a successful business without equal in terms of reputation.”
What next? “Acquisition to grow the business, leading to relocation and job creation.”
SHARON WILLIAMS, 36
MANAGING DIRECTOR, PIA
Since becoming a director and then managing director of Pia, Williams has taken the specialist braille and alternative-format publishing producer from being a struggling company contemplating possible losses of £60k in 2005-06 to a thriving, profitable business in Cwmbran.
What pushes you on? “My protestant work ethic and a desire to see a good job well done.
What next? “Make a Pia that lasts long after I do.”
DANIEL MADGE, 27
MANAGING DIRECTOR, LIFE HEALTH & FITNESS
Madge set up the 1,200-member Life club in Swansea and is now moving into the corporate health market with his new venture, Life Health Solutions.
What pushes you on? “To make Life a household brand and introduce diversity to what we can provide as a company. I aspire to be similar to the Virgin brand, where we value our staff and our customers see us as offering quality and trust in what we do.”
What next? “I would like to develop domestic and commercial properties with the view to building a portfolio.”
DAMIAN COLE, 37
MANAGING DIRECTOR, OASIS COMMUNICATION SERVICES
Cole started trading from his spare bedroom as a door-to-door mobile phone salesman in 1992. He opened his first office in Blackwood in 1996 followed by a shop the year after.
Trading as Get Connected!, it now has 42 stores and three specialist business centres across Wales and the West Midlands and is the UK's second-largest independent Orange retailer.
What pushes you on? “I have always been independent and determined to do things right for myself, my staff and our customers. I still get a thrill from closing a deal. If you concentrate on getting the package right, you will have a profitable and enjoyable business.”
What next? “I am aiming to expand the retail network to 50 outlets by the end of 2008 and develop the corporate division to make it as successful as the retail side of the business.
Hopefully Get Connected! will become a recognised brand throughout the UK.
ALASTAIR MILBURN, 39
MANAGING DIRECTOR, EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS
The former South Wales Echo editor set up public relations and communications consultancy Effective Communication in 2005. More recently established sports management company 8 Total Management with rugby star Alix Popham.
What pushes you on? “Fear of failure, and a desire to provide the perfect service and products for our clients, and the perfect environment for my team. Perfection is impossible, but it’s fun trying.”
What next? “I want Effective Communication to become the prime source of public relations, public affairs and communications in Wales within the next three years.”
OWEN PRITCHARD, 31
PARTNER, NATIONAL LOGISTICS AND INDUSTRIAL,
KNIGHT FRANK
Pritchard started his career working for Cardiff industrial property agency Steepholm Property Advisors for six years. Since joining Knight Frank he has worked on some of the biggest industrial property deals in Wales and helped the company win Industrial Agents of the Year at Insider’s Property Awards this year.
What pushes you on? “The satisfaction of getting the deal, acquiring a poor performing asset or property and turning it around so that it becomes a success through a proactive agency and management.”
What next? “Continue to grow the business and build on our good reputation.”
JANG HUSSAIN, 32
OPERATIONS MANAGER, MANGO HOUSE
Hussain changed the common perception of Indian food with his upmarket restaurant in Magor, Monmouthshire, and repeated the trick by opening Mango House in Cardiff in 2007 to positive reviews.
What pushes you on? “I enjoy the challenge of business and also the requirement to be resourceful and driven to maximise your chances of being successful.”
What next? “I want to develop the Mango House chain.
The opening of the second restaurant helped me to formulate plans for what I will need to do.”