Manufacturer drives a hard bargain
Mark Crosier has a hard time winning new business. Not because of the competition: there is none. No, the technology he sells is so new that companies don’t know they need it.
Higher education: a sweet spot for chocolate entrepreneur
Hotel Chocolat entrepreneur Angus Thirlwell has one big regret. He wishes he’d taken a strategy course at Cranfield School of Management earlier in his career. “I used to spend too long meddling in the day-to-day running of the business,” he admits.
IT solution saves energy and money
Sumir Karayi, the CEO and founder of £15m-turnover technology company 1E, reckons one of his solutions could help the UK reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 10 per cent.
Entrepreneur accelerates franchising efforts
The founder of salad bar chain Tossed, Vincent McKevitt, is on the hunt for franchisees for the business as the economy slows down and the credit crunch starts to bite.
Thai restaurant chain gets PE backing
The Thai restaurant chain launched by Wagamama founder Alan Yau has attracted backing from private equity firm Phoenix Equity Partners in a deal that values the London-based business at £21.5m.
Boyle bags bib niche in baby fashion
Lara Boyle founded Beauty & the Bib back in 2003 to jazz up the dowdy bib industry. Five years on, her kitchen table start-up turns over £300,000 and sells into Japan and Dubai.
Equality Bill is an “added burden”
The Forum of Private Business has slammed the government’s new Equality Bill, claiming that it will create an even greater administrative burden for small businesses. “Ironically, given that it is supposed to be employee-friendly legislation, it could become an impediment to employment,” says the organisation’s chief executive Phil Orford.
Low cost gym business gains ?1m investment
A revolutionary new gym chain has opened today in London as social mission venture capital firm Bridges Ventures announces it has invested £1m into the business.
Gordon Ramsay cracks the States
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay spread his international net even wider this month with the opening of his fourth restaurant in the US of A.
Look out Boris! Sir Alan for Mayor?!
Sir Alan Sugar has been mooted as a possible labour candidate for Mayor of London, and the grizzly entrepreneur is up for the challenge.
Harriet Harman: “Inequality and discrimination still persist”
Equality minister Harriet Harman plans to create a “fairer society” by allowing firms to discriminate in favour of female and ethnic minority job candidates. But what do entrepreneurs think of the new Equality Bill?
“Walkers is irresponsible”
“A couple of years ago, Walkers tried to hit back at claims that it was responsible for rising levels of obesity," says Alex Albone, the founder of Pipers Crisps. "Well, it sure as hell deserves some of the blame."