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One Utility Bill
One Utility Bill aims to simplify household bill management by combining utilities into one fixed monthly payment. Inspired by founder and chief executive Chris Dawson’s own experiences in rented accommodation, the company launched in 2014 with co-founder Dale Knight to remove the stress of juggling multiple providers. Today, One Utility Bill supports a wide range of customers – including students, renters, and homeowners – offering a way to manage energy, water, broadband, and TV services. By consolidating all bills into one monthly payment, the platform works to make household budgeting more convenient and straightforward.
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Sushi Dog
SushiDog is a London-based grab-and-go sushi restaurant chain selling sushi rolls and bowls. Founded in 2018 by lifelong friends Greg Ilsen and Nicholas Goldstein, the duo were inspired after struggling to find fresh sushi that could be easily eaten on the move. Starting from a small kiosk in Westfield London, SushiDog has been boosted by strong customer demand for healthier fast-food alternatives, which has fuelled its expansion to multiple locations, including Covent Garden, Soho, and The Strand. In 2023 the company secured £1.2m in funding from Middleton Enterprises to facilitate the opening of new outlets, as the founders have set their sights on expanding to 30 additional sites over the next five years.
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Pink Boutique
Alice Hall and her mother, Julie Blackie, launched Pink Boutique in 2012 by with just a £90 investment and six dresses listed on eBay. Headquartered in Newcastle, the brand quickly evolved into an online fashion retailer, offering ‘glam’ dresses, jumpsuits, and accessories through its own website. Alice stepped away from the business in 2020, but reclaimed ownership with her husband Andrew in 2023 following her mother’s retirement. Today, they have a community of over 2.7m social media followers and this year’s sales hit £20.3m. Alice is also the co-founder of Rowen Homes, a luxury home and furniture brand she founded with her husband, which continues to grow alongside Pink Boutique.
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The Pure Gold Company
Whether it’s gold or silver, coins or bars, The Pure Gold Company provides certified support for investors navigating the precious metals market. Founded in 2012 by law graduate and former financial analyst Josh Saul, the company specialises in simplifying bullion investment for individuals, institutions, and wholesale clients. As authorised distributors of The Royal Mint and members of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA), they offer a range of solutions, including fully insured storage and secure delivery. The Pure Gold Company has been recognised as Spear’s Top Precious Metals Adviser for three consecutive years, including 2024.
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The Appliance Recycling Group
The Appliance Recycling Group (ARG), founded by James Farmer in 2013, collects waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) for reuse or recycling. Headquartered in Birmingham, ARG operates 14 sites nationwide, processing over 60,000 domestic appliances annually. The company’s mission is to maximise the social, economic, and environmental potential of waste electronics by prioritising reuse over recycling. ARG has achieved B Corp certification, and today partners with manufacturers, retailers, and local authorities. Recent initiatives include launching collectmyelectricals.co.uk and opening 216 new WEEE collection points. Additionally, ARG has pledged to donate £1m worth of appliances to the Reuse Network over four years, supporting low-income households.
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Portman Finance Group
Portman Finance Group, founded in 2007 and led by Alex Read – chief executive and founder, Simon Pratt – chief operations officer and Ben Laidler – chief commercial officer, is a Northampton-based finance provider focussed on funding solutions for SMEs. Operating as both a lender and broker, the company offers services including asset finance, business loans, and luxury car finance. Since its inception, Portman has facilitated over £1.5b in funding for over 20,000 businesses, facilitating equipment acquisition, equity release, and growth capital. Alex is a serial entrepreneur having also founded Boost Trampoline Parks, a Commercial Property company, a residential development and lettings business as well as two commercial finance lending businesses.