SoPost has built a digital sampling platform which enables over 200 brands, including Estée Lauder, L’Oréal and Unilever, to run data-driven online sampling campaigns. SoPost’s technology is available in 20 markets, utilising a global distribution network to ship samples direct to participating consumers’ homes. Founded in 2012 by Jonathan Grubin, the company is headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, with international presence in five countries. SoPost generates about two-thirds of its sales outside the UK and has raised £1.6m in funding to date.
I caught the entrepreneurial bug aged 13…I’m now running a £20m business
More Unemployables
How my side hustle became a multi-million pound business
Lucy Locket Loves makes colourful fitness clothing and accessories for women. The Derbyshire business caters for a wide range of body shapes, with sizes spanning six to 26. Former personal trainer Lucy Arnold founded the company in 2018 after suffering a back injury. While recovering, she created leggings to sell to former clients. Customers include Made In Chelsea star Rosie Fortescue and the company launched a collection with Strictly’s Dianne Buswell last year.
I’m an accidental entrepreneur…now turning over £38m
Hamilton Court provides foreign exchange services through its subsidiaries Hamilton Court Foreign Exchange Limited (HCFX), Birchstone Markets, Goldhawk Partners and Italian subsidiaries of HCFX. Clients of the subsidiaries include both public and private entities – ranging from FTSE250 companies to private equity firms, and high-net-worth individuals in the UK, Europe and Canada.
It’s not about the money. It’s all about the mission.
This start-up is transforming the way music royalties are paid. The Audoo Audio Meter™ tracks and identifies music played in public places, such as shops, gyms and bars. The data is sent to performing right organisations to ensure that artists are compensated for their work.
Why you need a not-to-do list
When Nicholas Charles Tyrwhitt Wheeler talks business, you listen. The founder of Charles Tyrwhitt Shirts has built a company that turns over £220m. He owns 95% of it. So, it’s fair to say Nick has picked up a few valuable lessons since launching his business in 1986. So, when we met Nick, we walked away with seven golden nuggets that we’d like to share with you…
‘Don’t Do What You Love, Do What You’re Good At’
Trying to talk to Sarah Willingham without saying “success” is like trying to eat a doughnut without licking your lips. And when the inevitable happens during the first few seconds of our conversation, the Dragon’s Den star does what comes naturally to her – and in her warm and charismatic manner, she takes control and sets the agenda…
7 lessons from the founder of Wattbike
For Ian Wilson and the Wattbike team, there was only ever one goal – to build the world’s most accurate indoor training bike. They were well-equipped for the challenge. “Competing in elite sport makes you single-minded,” says Ian, a former rowing world champion. “It’s a vital attribute in business, too…”