The business world in Britain is changing and shifting faster than ever. Not only has the pandemic created a wealth of opportunities for those who creatively adapt, but it has also offered a new view on working life. People are realising they can forge their own paths and careers to achieve their perfect work-life balance, and entrepreneurship has quickly taken on a new life of its own.
Below are 10 UK entrepreneurs who are building big businesses in Britain right now. Each is doing amazing things in their own field, and they’re inspiring millions of people along the way.
1. Trina Nicole
Curve model, dancer, and creative consultant Trina Nicole is the founder of The Curve Catwalk and co-founder of Curlture.
The Curve Catwalk is the UK’s first dance class dedicated to plus-size women. It was recently named 1 of 30 Black-Owned Businesses to Support in 2021 by Forbes. Trina has also been shortlisted as a finalist for Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 and highlighted as 1 of the 25 Top Black Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2021 by HSBC and Black Business Week.
2. Iona Mackenzie
Iona Mackenzie is the founder of Talk & Grow, a platform that makes the counselling world more accessible to those who need it. She started the business in 2018 after going through a challenging experience trying to find her own counsellor.
On a mission to de-stigmatise mental health, Mackenzie was one of the winners of the Young Innovator Awards, announced by the Prince’s Trust and Innovate UK earlier this year.
3. Jack Lear
Jack Lear is the founder of the fancy dress business, Bodysocks. After the pandemic stripped his market, he took a leap of faith and started a new business venture: BargainFox.com – an online sales platform that specialises in discounted consumer goods. These are mainly products that could no longer be purchased in-store due to lockdowns.
He was featured in the 15 Young Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2021 after BargainFox.com was estimated to quadruple its turnover and staff size.
4. Eve Kekeh
Founder of Bundlee, the sustainable rental subscription for baby clothes, Eve Kekeh’s business saves 105kg of carbon dioxide and 40,500 gallons of water. Her business allows parents to rent a collection of clothes rather than buy them. When babies outgrow the clothes, they are then swapped for new ones.
Eve was shortlisted as a finalist for the Sustainability Entrepreneur of the Year award by the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
5. Jack Parsons
Jack Parsons is an award-winning young entrepreneur and founder of The Youth Group, a business that provides young people with the resources needed to follow their desired career paths and reach their full potential. He is also a public speaker and a global ambassador for mental health awareness in education and the workplace.
Jack has also been featured in the under 30 talent of the Starling Bank Top 15 Young Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2021.
6. Liv Little
Live Little is the founder of Gal-Dem, an award-winning British online and print magazine that shares the perspectives of people of colour from marginalised genders. She is also a producer, curator, editor, and author.
This year saw her take up a BBC Studios’ Creator Residency – a funded project that pairs emerging talented content-makers with some of BBC Studios’ best in the business, including production teams and script works.
7. Gauthier Van Malderen
Gauthier Van Malderen is the founder of Perlego books, the world’s biggest online subscription service for educational resources.
Both affordable and sustainable, Van Malderen’s alternative to buying textbooks has landed him a finalist place in the Disruptor of the Year category for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
Perlego also partnered up with digital-first Arden University this year to provide its 12,000 students with free online textbooks.
8. Tobi Ajala
Former Apple employee and software engineer, Tobi Ajala founded TechTee in 2017. TechTee is a digital agency that specialises in software design and development in fashion and luxury.
Based in London, Ajala’s company works with high-profile designers and brands including Apple, Gucci Deutsche Bank and M&S. She is included in the ‘2021 Forbes European technology 30 Under 30’ list.
9. Nicolai Baldin
Another entrepreneur who made it onto Forbes’ Technology 30 under 30 list is Nicolai Baldin. Founder of Synthesized, he runs a data operations platform that allows insurers to safely share sensitive data whilst still following industry regulations.
A Russian native but now based in the UK, Baldin received his PhD in machine learning from the University of Cambridge.
10. Marvin Maddix
Marvin Maddix is the founder of FGUK, (Fashion Glossary UK) a magazine and social networking platform that celebrates all things black, brown and LGBTQ alongside fashion and art.
A finalist for the Creative Industries Entrepreneur of the Year award, Maddix was previously Head Fashion Stylist and Showroom Rep for Victoria Beckham.
Are you inspired by these UK entrepreneurs?
These 10 UK entrepreneurs are changing the game when it comes to business. From body-positive and mental health pioneers to tech wizards and sustainability campaigners, all are challenging the traditional business world and building a brighter, better future.
If you are considering stepping out as an entrepreneur, Massive Startup is here to help you. We provide you with all the tools you need to start a thriving business – from building a professional website to logo design and branding.
Each of our Business Starter Packs includes an Initial Consultation Service, where we work with you to set business goals and help you to achieve them.
Take the first step today by filling in our contact form or emailing start@massivestartup.co.uk
