News
LDC launches search for UK’s Most Ambitious Business Leaders
4 Mar 2019
Business owners from across the UK are invited to enter the Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders programme as LDC launches its 2019 search for Britain’s most inspiring entrepreneurs.
The programme, which is run by leading mid-market private equity investor LDC and supported by The Telegraph, will uncover and celebrate the people behind some of the UK’s most successful medium-sized firms.
Those listed will follow in the footsteps of Julian Hearn, founder of powdered food brand Huel, who was named last year’s Most Ambitious Business Leader at a celebratory event in London.
In just three years, Julian had grown his nutrition brand into a global sensation, selling 22million meals across 80 countries, with turnover hitting £45million last year. Judges at the event praised the scale of his ambition, track record and passion for the brand.
Being selected as the UK’s Most Ambitious Business Leader in its inaugural year was a great honour for me. At Huel, we have worked tirelessly to grow a global brand which has even more potential to scale up and become a true world-leader in the health food market."
“We make nutritious, convenient, and affordable food, with minimal impact on the environment and animals. Plus for us one of the best motivation is the incredible feedback we get from our customers every single day – it’s what inspires us to succeed.”
Other success stories from 2018 include Craig Taylor of Natures Menu, the health-focused pet food brand, Sara Barokas and Virginie Charlès-Dear co-founders of children’s craft box toucanBox, and mother and son duo Dr Geeta Nargund and Praful Nargund who founded disruptive health brand Create Fertility.
Andy Grove, Head of New Business at LDC said: “Last year we uncovered some of the UK’s hidden gems – those business leaders who have pushed on for growth amidst the current backdrop of uncertainty, and achieved great things in their respective industries.”
“We heard tales of courage, drive and determination, and celebrated the diverse makeup of this country’s business landscape. Our alumni range from the leader of a healthy pet food brand to the founders of a gaming business and the inventor of a compressor. This diversity is the exact reason we’re running the Top 50 again.”
“Given the current economic climate it’s more important than ever that we celebrate and back ambition. We know there are more great examples of ambition out there and we’re looking forward to sharing those success stories as standout examples of British business.”
Those listed will be featured in The Telegraph later this year. This will be followed by a celebration of the Top 50 at an event in London where an expert panel of judges announce the UK’s Most Ambitious Business Leader for 2019 – the one person who best defines the leadership qualities needed in business today.
To qualify, candidates must be the driving force behind a medium-sized growing business based in the UK. More information on how to enter can be found here.