TOP 32
AZINE LEADER MAG S S E IN S U B BY
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his year has been challenging for businesses and entrepreneurs across all industries. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a devastating force, leading to many companies going bust and millions being left unemployed. However, with 2021 on the horizon, Business Leader Magazine has put together a list of 32 individuals and their businesses that are set to lead the UK into the future. Whether they are already established or are a disruptive entity – over the next 12 months, these are the names to look out for. The men and women listed below have been suggested by our readers, however, if you feel there are other individuals that are deserving, please email editor@businessleader.co.uk, and they will be included in the digital version of the list on www.businessleader.co.uk. This list is in no particular order.
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JACK DYER AND JAMES WREN FREETRAIN The Birmingham-based fitness company created an innovative alternative to phone holder armbands to give fitness enthusiasts the freedom to train smart and train free. Set up by former Aston Villa youth player Jack Dyer and former Walsall FC goalkeeper James Wren in 2015, the firm has experienced significant growth, increased their product range and have sold over 80,000 units worldwide and an annual turnover of £2.1m. The big break though came when Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba posted a video of himself wearing the vest in April 2020. Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood and David Beckham have been spotted wearing them as well.
RACHAEL FLANAGAN MRS BUCKÉT At 18, Flanagan failed her business A-levels and was told by teachers that she’d never
make it in business. With her signature gogetter attitude, Rachael defied expectations and started Mrs Buckét with only £20 worth of black and white flyers and a mop. Today she is the proud owner of an award-winning cleaning operation worth nearly £3m, employing 250 members of staff across the South West and Wales. Mrs Buckét has achieved fantastic growth, increasing turnover year-on-year whilst maintaining excellent profit margins. This year alone, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the business has expanded by £250,000; welcomed 30 new clients and grown its team by 10%. In the next five years, the team is looking to grow internally by 300%, to invest heavily in innovative cleaning technology and branch out its services into new sectors across the UK.
GREG JACKSON OCTOPUS ENERGY Jackson featured earlier in this edition in our Fast Track feature – and after five
November/December 2020