WELCOME TO THE LEAP HUB
Bringing together the leaders of the UK’s most exciting fast-growth businesses.
Molly Goddard is Co-Founder and Creative Director of Desmond & Dempsey and Joel Jeffery is Co-founder and CEO. Identifying a gap in the market, she and Joel launched their inaugural 100 Desmond & Dempsey pyjamas sets to deliver luxurious, affordable, cotton nightwear. Over the last four years, the brand has quickly built a strong international
Jon Bradford, a highly experienced early stage investor, is the Founding Partner of Motive Partners, a financial technology investment company. Founder and Co-Founder of many other businesses including Dynamo Ventures, an early stage seed investor focused on Supply Chain and Mobility, Jon is well-accredited with the title “Godfather of European Accelerators” for founding Ignite100 Accelerator
Tamara Littleton is Founder and CEO of The Social Element, a social media agency advising some of the world’s biggest brands on how to use social media to solve business challenges. Having left her role running a BBC web team, Tamara founded The Social Element in 2002 before the explosion of social media with the ambition
Pip Murray is the Founder of the nut butter brand Pip & Nut, which offers a range of eight naturally nutritious nut butters. A keen marathon runner and a fierce foodie, Pip had the inspiration for the brand when she couldn’t find a delicious but nutritious protein source to fuel her training. Taking matters into
Ash Atalla is an Emmy and Golden Globe award winning and five times BAFTA-winning producer, best known for multi award winning series The Office (BBC), The IT Crowd (Channel 4) and People Just Do Nothing (BBC). Co-founding his own independent production company, Roughcut TV produces outstanding comedy and drama for all the UK’s major broadcasters as
Ian Harkin is CEO of Lottie Dolls, a collectible diverse range of premium quality small dolls that are designed to look like children rather than adults. The company champions the importance of childhood and the fact that children’s voices should be heard. Since launching, Lottie dolls has challenged the toy industry with regards to body
Mishcon de Reya hosted a panel discussion on the future of mobility on Wednesday 26 June, as part of the firm’s technology-focused Shaping Cities series. The event kicked off with a keynote address from Heidi Alexander, Deputy London Mayor for Transport, on London’s future transport landscape, followed by two high-level panel discussions focussing on transport
This week saw the announcement of Alan Turing, the father of modern computing and artificial intelligence, as the face of the new £50 note. Computing and artificial intelligence (AI) have come a long way since Turing’s efforts at Bletchley Park. AI is currently used to: power personal assistants; identify and diagnose diseases; improve logistics and
Having initially joined the company as its first Non-Executive Director in 2013, Nigel Birell is CEO of the Lottoland Group, a multi territory regulated, fast growing gaming group with a workforce of 350 people in 11 locations, and nine million registered customers in its 13 markets. Nigel is also the: Non-Executive Chairman of the London
There is both an “art” and a “science” to M&A deals, and the application of such is often the difference between the deals that are successful and those that are not. The true victors in M&A are those who apply both sound negotiating tactics and the latest digital technologies to their processes; whether for digital or
Sophie Deen is the founder and CEO of kids’ media company, Bright Little Labs. Bright Little Labs was founded in 2015 with the aim to inspire the next generation with interactive stories, promoting critical thinking, computer science and equality for children. A former lawyer and children’s play therapist, Sophie has worked alongside Code Club, Google
Partner and Head of Reputation Protection Group Emma Woollcott recently travelled to 2029 with The Economist’s ‘The world ahead’ podcast series. In a fictional trial set 10 years in the future, Emma was defending a young woman who had won significant privacy damages in the High Court. The client – Miss X – successfully sued
Misha Nonoo is the Founder and Creative Director of Misha Nonoo, a womenswear fashion label with sustainability at its core. Born in Bahrain and raised in London, Misha has always known that she wanted to be a fashion designer, winning industry recognition for her eponymous label in 2013 when she became a finalist for the 2013 CFDA
As Founder and Managing Director of World Wide Internet Insurance Services (WWIIS), the parent company of Cover For You, Cedar Tree, Insurance & Escape and Outbacker, Neil Wright is not your average insurance type. Following a 10-year military career that began at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Neil served in The Queen’s regiment all over the world
Long before Hawksmoor became a British household name and holy grail for steak lovers, its founders Will Beckett and Huw Gott were languishing on the entrepreneurial backbenches following a string of less successful ventures. Steak isn’t a dish, it’s an institution, so how exactly did these founders create a restaurant – a group, no less
Dame Rosemary Squire OBE is one of the most prominent women in British theatre of the modern era. Since she co-founded the Ambassador Theatre Group in 1992, it has gone onto become the world’s number one live-theatre company. In 2016, Squire stepped down from her post as CEO to move into a new creative phase.
Ben Maruthappu is a London-based doctor and Co-founder and CEO of Cera, a multi-award winning technology company transforming social care. He advised the CEO of NHS England on £100 billion of health spending, co-founding the NHS Innovation Accelerator (NIA) which benefitted 3 million people in its first six months. He has a strong interest in research with
Farah Naz is the Founder and Owner of EX1 Cosmetics, a cosmetics brand known for providing the ultimate “skin-on-skin” effect, producing a range of complexion-based products including foundations, powders, blushers and concealers to help you achieve perfect looking skin. Struggling to find her own perfect foundation that was affordable, Farah used her biochemistry background to
Matthew Januszek is Co-Founder of Escape Fitness, a business committed to working with fitness clubs to deliver the best possible exercise experiences. Founded in 1998, Escape Fitness has built a reputation for product innovation, quality and design while growing and competing through great partnerships in multiple markets worldwide. From a garage gym to a global
Imagine living in a world where cities have hexagonal wooden blocks on the pavements that heat up to melt ice so you never slip again on frosty pavements, or having ‘raincoats’ on buildings to make you feel warm in the winter and cool in the summer. While this may sound futuristic, this is just what is
Raoul Shah is Founder and joint CEO of Exposure, a creative communications agency that joins the dots between brands, culture and consumers. Founded in 1993, the agency prides itself on long term client relationships (some of which span over 15 years), has won numerous awards (including Cannes Lions & D&AD), and remains one of the
Oliver Mennell is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NEOM, a wellbeing brand specialising in 100% natural fragrances to boost your wellbeing. Widely recognised as one of the first and fastest growing wellbeing brands in the UK, NEOM offers natural products that are designed to deliver therapeutic benefits to relieve stress, aid sleep,
Dr Lydia Yarlott is a Paediatrician and Co-Founder of Forward Health, a tech start-up that has developed a secure messaging and workflow app, enabling healthcare professionals to communicate and collaborate effectively. Being “struck by how much time (she) was wasting trying to navigate switchboards or responding to (her) pager,” Lydia’s husband encouraged her to solve
Marcus Wareing is a celebrated chef and Co-Founder of Marcus Wareing Restaurants. Marcus studied at Southport Catering College and was Gordon Ramsay’s protégé for 19 years. He was awarded his first Michelin Stars at 26, one of only a handful of chefs to be recognised at that age. His awards now include one Michelin star,
Mandeep Singh is the Co-Founder and CEO of Trouva, the “anti-chain, anti-same online market place for boutique independent retailers.” Recognising that independent brick-and-mortar stores were falling behind due to an “awful understanding” of e-commerce, Mandeep and his Co-Founders, Alex Loizou and Glen Walker, founded Trouva in 2015 to create a different kind of e-commerce environment
Nick Deyong is an Entrepreneur and Investor with more than 25 years’ experience within Travel, Promotions, Rewards, Incentives and Marketing Technology industry. He is founder and CEO of The NDL Group and Co-Founder and CEO of Promotigo Technology Limited. NDL is a specialist provider of consumer incentive programmes, delivering creative prizes and rewards for media
As consumer loyalty becomes increasingly focused on brand identity, companies need to know what they stand for – and be prepared to invest in protecting their brand values In this world of increasingly tough competition, brands need to find new ways to differentiate and win new customers while maintaining their core customer base. Staying true
Clear skies forecast for the service industry – when the focus is on technology, cyber security, data and expansion beyond Europe It’s natural with Brexit uncertainty that many companies are unsure in their investment planning. With no deal agreed yet (at time of going to press), a number of high-profile firms have said that the lack
Digital ledger technology offers accountability and cost-effectiveness, reducing risk Consumer goods companies and retailers face a considerable supply-chain challenge: to remain competitive, they are sourcing and manufacturing their products around the world to get the highest quality for the best price. At the same time, customers are increasingly concerned about the provenance of their food,
In search of solutions to delays and red tape caused by UK’s exit from EU Companies are becoming increasingly aware that there will be a sharp rise in red tape and multiple regulations relating to data handling after Brexit and are starting to put in place processes to deal with possible delays and difficulties. Adam
Cyber attacks on companies are soaring. Executives must upgrade their tech skills to understand the threat. In recent years, political cybercrime has repeatedly made headlines. Yet amid a series of sensational stories stemming from alleged Russian hacking during the 2016 US presidential election, the media has largely overlooked a simultaneous surge in a potentially far
DHL, Coca-Cola and other major advertisers are pouring money into esports in pursuit of the elusive younger audience Two remarkable advertising events occurred last May at an esports tournament held at the Arena Birmingham. Firstly, the crowd began to chant a sponsor’s name, a rare and sweet moment for an advertiser in any sport. Secondly,
The boutique fitness sector has grown exponentially in the last few years. In London, a new boutique fitness studio appears to be opening on a different street corner almost weekly. But is there a ceiling: have we reached the ‘peak of boutique’? Having listened to industry leaders speak on this very topic at Sweat and
Allison Keyse and Susannah Kintish feature in Forbes, where they focus on the importance of women rising through the investment ranks and also how the gig economy, although benefiting those who prioritise flexible working, does come at a cost.
Employment lawyer Beth Leng shares what recruiters need to know about flexible working and how they can implement it in the workplace in this month’s Recruitment International. Read the full comment here.
Whether starting the year with dry January, veganuary or a Noom Diet, the drive for healthier eating is unremitting. The success of brands in the UK such as Ottolenghi and Leon demonstrate the growth potential of the British health conscious restaurant market.
Earlier this month, Citigroup boss Mike Corbat, who oversees one of the world's biggest banks, adopted a cautious tone when asked about blockchain technology path to mainstream adoption.
We see criticism of companies on social media and elsewhere, often accusing those companies of not complying with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and rules on direct marketing and consent (often the comments claim that companies shouldn't ask people to opt out of future electronic direct marketing, when communicating with existing or new customers).
Imagine paying people no strings attached cash, whether they have a job or not. In California, two experiments are being planned that some think could be the solution to a potentially jobless dystopian future.
From May 25 2018 a new requirement was placed on data controllers in the UK to pay a fee (unless they could claim an exemption) to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO keeps, and publishes, a register of fee payers, and a new blog post by Paul Arnold, their Deputy Chief Executive, suggests that
Charlie is Co-CEO of The Office Group (TOG), which he founded in 2003 with Co-CEO Olly Olsen.
Charlie is Co-CEO of The Office Group (TOG), which he founded in 2003 with Co-CEO Olly Olsen.
Citywealth Weekly published an article on how entrepreneurs are disrupting philanthropy. Katya Vagner, an Associate from the firm’s Private department commented on how a higher risk tolerance and confident use of modern technologies such as cryptocurrency and blockchain make entrepreneurs effective philanthropists and create more direct and transparent giving. “Not being fazed by the fear of
Work: In Progress – in partnership with The Economist
Cyber Security expert, Mike Owen, discusses what recruiters need to be aware of when it comes to cyber security, and the policies that should be in place in case of a security breach. Read more here. This article first appeared in Recruitment International.
Mishcon de Reya has today opened applications for MDR LAB 2019. This is the third year that the programme for early stage and growth technology start-ups in the legal space will run. Applications are welcome from companies at concept through to revenue-generating stage, as long as the product or service is applicable to the legal
Following our previous article on the no-deal Brexit data protection guidance released by DCMS and the ICO, the UK government has published draft regulations which will apply in the event of a No Deal, the Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (Data Protection Brexit Regulations). The Data Protection Brexit Regulations,
The UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) have each issued no-deal Brexit data protection guidance. These outline the impact that a no-deal Brexit scenario will have on UK data protection and outline steps that organisations can take to prepare for that possibility. The ‘International Transfers’ section of
Show aired on 1st December 2018 Debbie Wosskow OBE is recognised as one of the most prominent serial entrepreneurs in the UK, known for successfully launching and scaling businesses in the areas of digital disruption, the sharing economy and female empowerment. She graduated with an MA in Philosophy and Theology from New College, Oxford. Her
Implementing an appropriate and effective remuneration and incentive policy for management and employees is a key driver for a successful business. Traditionally, incentive plans have included bonus schemes, share option schemes and other share-based arrangements. These plans can be used to strategically incentivise certain employee behaviours, though they are not without their drawbacks. We routinely
The latest in a series of podcasts supported by Mishcon de Reya has been launched on FT.com. The series, Financial Times World Tech Founders, features technology entrepreneurs in emerging markets. In this episode we meet Kazakh entrepreneur Roman Gurbanov. Listen here. Read more about FT World Tech Founders here.
Frank Recruitment Group is an international specialist technology staffing business based in the UK. It is backed by the Private Equity firm TPG Growth, which has also invested in Uber, Airbnb, Survey Monkey and Spotify. We caught up with CEO James Lloyd-Townshend to find out more about the future of the business and the recruitment
Finding bright spots in the UK consumer market in the face of an economic squeeze, as well as political and economic turbulence in general, is not straightforward. However, the travel sector has proved very resilient and is increasingly attractive to investors. There have recently been a number of transactions in the sector funded by private
Brendan Wallace, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Fifth Wall Transcript Susan Freeman Hi I am Susan Freeman and a huge welcome to the very first edition of our PropertyShe Podcast where we will be hearing from a selection of brilliant property personalities that I think make a massive difference to our sector. They will be collected
“Reputation, reputation, reputation! Oh, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself…” Shakespeare understood only too well what it meant to lose your “good name“, but even he did not foresee the impact modern technology would have on the calamity of reputational challenges. The potential today for wholesale reputational damage
Data with Destiny – in partnership with The Economist.
As brand owners begin to prepare themselves for the possibility of a “no deal” when the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019, one issue that should be high on the agenda is a review of IP-related agreements which may be impacted by the UK leaving the EU, whether with or without a deal.
Jim Cregan is the real ‘Jimmy’ behind Jimmy’s Iced Coffee. A company he co-founded with his sister Suze after becoming hooked on iced coffee during a trip to Australia. Disappointed to find supermarket shelves lacking a refreshing equivalent that wasn’t super sweet back in the UK, he decided to make his own. Following a few
Show aired on 3rd November 2018 Alex Reilley is co-founder and Chairman of Loungers, the nationwide café, restaurant and bar group. Having spent years in the restaurant and bar trade, Alex and two friends, Jake Bishop and David Reid decided it was time they did their own thing in 2002. Nearly 16 years later, Loungers
In a recent ranking of the most cited artificial intelligence research papers, which was studded with the likes of MIT and Google, a perhaps surprising name stood out: Nanyang Technological University. In fact, the Singapore university ranked second in the top ten only to Microsoft. The Southeast Asian island is proving a popular AI base:
With the deadline for a Brexit deal looming and the negotiation failing to progress as time passes, the Government has been issuing a series of Notices setting out the implications for a range of scenarios in the event of ‘no deal’ being reached. It has now published a number of Notices focussing on protection and
Do data and artificial intelligence (AI) have the power to change the world? In the healthcare space, they are revolutionising how disease is detected, diagnosed and treated, as well as how we care for ourselves and others. AI is helping to detect and diagnose strokes, cancer and even difficult-to-diagnose diseases like fibromyalgia, a condition in
Mishcon The Leap is proud to support the FT Future 100 UK – a list of high-growth businesses that are shaping the future of their sector and making a positive impact on business and society. The list features well-established names such as Propercorn, Just Eat and Fevertree Drinks, alongside flourishing start-ups such as FlyVictor, Grabyo and
Believers in a much more limited role for the state have been on the losing side of history more times than it is possible to count.
As the costs of capital increase, private equity investors are staying focused on growth potential, the right teams and preferably a technology angle
The financial crash a decade ago put excessive focus on profit in a bad light. Today, companies need a credible culture to match their stated values – and that means leading from the front
The ‘gig’ economy can provoke divisive debates. The recent rise of platforms like Deliveroo and TaskRabbit are exciting and concerning commentators in equal measure.
The UK is extending corporate governance requirements to private companies for the first time, a move set to influence boardroom behaviour and business decision-making. While this may appear to be a burden, getting governance right can prove a huge driver of growth and success.
Rising business rates and overheads. Low consumer spending. Empty high street shops. There is a steady stream of “doom and gloom” stories about the UK high street and the growing pressures on retailers. If you are an SME trying to sell and promote your product, tackling and surviving this environment may feel like an overwhelming
Diversity and inclusion are high on the agenda of many employers, and rightly so. Not only is there an undisputed moral argument for diversity, there is also ample evidence proving the business case for diversity – more diverse businesses are more successful and profitable. In the wake of the first year of gender pay reporting,
The latest in a series of podcasts supported by Mishcon de Reya has been launched on FT.com. The series, Financial Times World Tech Founders, features technology entrepreneurs in emerging markets. In this episode we meet Bulgarian tech pioneer Kalin Radev. Listen here. Read more about FT World Tech Founders here.
Back in 2002, Nestlé filed an application to register the three-dimensional sign of the ‘four finger KitKat bar’ as an EUTM. However, registration of the mark in 2006 was swiftly followed a year later by an application filed by Cadbury’s (now Mondelez) seeking a declaration that the mark was invalid on the grounds that it
The latest in a series of podcasts supported by Mishcon de Reya has been launched on FT.com. The series, Financial Times World Tech Founders, features technology entrepreneurs in emerging markets. In this episode we meet Kenyan tech pioneer Dorcas Muthoni. Click here to listen. Read more about FT World Tech Founders here.
We are surrounded by digital technology in every aspect of our lives; whether we carry it in our pockets and bags, have it displayed on screens in our homes or it is used to control the buildings in which we live and work. Smart building controls are an area of rapid development and the associated
On 20 June, Mishcon de Reya was joined by a panel of leading women to discuss the obstacles faced when starting a business within the Tech industry, and what can be done to level the playing field. The event was opened by The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP, who provided a keynote speech. The panel
The term “squeezed middle” is often used in the context of the UK economy, and it’s true of our mid-sized growth businesses too. We speak to these companies daily, and we know intimately the numerous places they’re feeling the pressure. But there needn’t be a squeeze on their options to grow. The OECD ranks Britain
Entrepreneurs often thrive in circumstances where traditional, established companies struggle – Microsoft, General Electric and Disney were all started during recessions. Nonetheless, 2008 was a precarious time to set up a mortgage business – as LendInvest co-founders Christian Faes and Ian Thomas candidly pointed out during a recent Leap 100 Breakfast. Although the online marketplace
When it comes to fundraising, not seeking advice or receiving advice lacking in expertise invariably results in the same outcome: all will be slower, less certain and more expensive in the longer term. In the early days of a startup, it is understandable why owners are reluctant to spend the time and money to build
Most of us will have received emails over the recent weeks from businesses asking us to confirm that we want to continue to hear from them. They will use phrases like “we take your privacy very seriously” and “if you don’t tick the box below, we will no longer be able to hold your data
Be More Pirate – a book challenging entrepreneurs to draw on the strategy and success of the Golden Age of Pirates – has just been published. Whether pirates were innovators or invidious – or a bit of both – it’s telling that many entrepreneurs feel more affinity with the swashbucklers of children’s stories than the
Before Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, maritime swashbucklers were about more than eyeliner and Orlando Bloom. In fact, it’s possible Robert Louis Stevenson was closer to the mark in presenting pirates as heroic outlaws, whose thievery and sword-fighting merit glorification over farcical misrepresentation. This is the view of entrepreneurturned-writer, Sam Conniff Allende. The Livity
Government intervention is not what most founders are typically looking for. But, in The Leap 100 April poll on corporate tax, respondents suggested they were either satisfied or very satisfied with tax provisions available to UK businesses. That may come as a surprise, but the answer to the second question, “which relief is most important
For entrepreneurs looking to take a step back from their business, a management buyout (MBO) might tick a lot of boxes. As well as rewarding employees, the most suitable buyer might come from within the company. However, it’s still a commercial decision, and traditionally the interests of all sellers haven’t always been automatically aligned, which
The entrepreneurial journey is packed with unexpected twists. It’s why so many founders pivot their core focus, form unlikely allegiances, or find themselves engaging in bizarre activities in the pursuit of success. Bloom & Wild’s lead floral stylist, for instance, has just returned from a press tour of Germany centred on Prince Harry’s forthcoming nuptials. Theirs
On Thursday 15 March, we had the pleasure of hosting two events - both centred around entrepreneurs - at Mishcon de Reya's offices.
Sam Gordon and Sophie Eden are disruptors in an unlikely field: headhunting.
Few entrepreneurs start a business relishing the opportunity to deal with the nitty-gritty of bureaucracy – in fact, avoiding it is the reason many choose the startup life in the first place.
British men are nearly twice as likely as women to be entrepreneurs. This isn’t just bad for entrepreneurship, but society at large suffers when the ideas of half the population aren’t adequately represented.
Entrepreneurs are often as grateful for the opportunities that don’t come to fruition as those that do.
Exit is a word that has so much meaning for an entrepreneur.
The Author is Luke Nolan, founder and CEO of Student.com
The APPG for Entrepreneurship launches its first survey aimed at uncovering the views of Britain's business owners.
BRITAIN’S got talent. This country’s success is built upon a mix of unconventional innovators, plucky entrepreneurs and hardworking employees.
CHIEU Cao, co-founder of Perkbox, is on a mission to transform the workplace.
While Millennials may have different expectations to employees of previous generations, with the right incentives their ambitions can be harnessed so both employers and employees benefit.
Remainers and Brexiteers – from Tony Blair to Nigel Farage –acknowledge that leaving the European Union means we’ll have to upgrade our relationships with other parts of the world.
Last year, Brexit meant Brexit, we were told.
There is more than one way for a company to internationalise.
The history of the modern world is bound up with that of Britain.
Napoleon once said “an army marches on its stomach”.
Cyber attacks are above the radar.
We asked Jason about how he started his business venture and how important are as well as which books and advice would he give to entrepreneurs.
Smarkets has been named 'The Leap 100 Company of the Year' at the City A.M. Awards 2017.
Rishi Khosla and Joel Perlman, founders of OakNorth, talk about their mission to enable millions of SMEs around the world to achieve their growth ambitions.
Doug Monro, Co-Founder of Adzuna, talks about the challenges in growing its recruitment search engine.
Earlier this month, Mishcon de Reya's Academy welcomed SY Lau, Senior Executive Vice President and Chairman of Group Marketing and Global Branding at Tencent, who gave a talk on China and the digital world.
Not so long ago, Web 2.0 revolutionised the internet.
In this month’s Leap 100 poll, we asked our Leap 100 com-panies about the Treasury’s consultation, “Financing growth in innovative firms”. Ahead of the November Budget, the Treasury is asking why, when the UK has such a great track record in starting innovative businesses, we arguably grow so few to scale. It identi-fies the principal
With the current Conservative leadership narrative resembling a combination of Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors and Julius Caesar, there’s plenty speculation about which path history will take – “Will Boris get the boot?”, “Will May resign?” etc. Cue Smarkets – a stock market for betting: you bet against other betters, not the house. Founder Jason Trost’s
Michael Kent, CEO and Founder of Azimo, talks about harnessing the power of technology in offering cost-effective and on-the-go financial services for the digital generation.
In last month's Leap 100 poll, 65% of respondents said that they were "a little concerned" about the approaching EU General Data Protection Regulation.
Selling up and moving on is never easy, especially for entrepreneurs who have devoted so much time, energy and passion in building their business.
GYMBOX founder Richard Hilton stumbled upon the idea for his company as a skinny 19-year-old living in New York and working in advertising.
The corporate offence of “failing to prevent the facilitation of tax evasion” comes into force on 30 September 2017. Ahead of this date, corporations must ensure that they have developed a plan for implementing “reasonable prevention procedures”. For further information on this offence please click here. Failure to Prevent Model The new corporate tax evasion
Understanding generation-Y The ability to attract and retain the best talent has always been high on the list of priorities for an organisation. However, with the changing nature and profile of today’s workforce, it is arguably a critical time to retest, refocus and maybe even rethink how this can be achieved most effectively. Generation-Y comprises
Bernhard Niesner, Co-Founder and CEO of busuu shares with us his experience in finding and building culture to retain talent and the importance of ’embracing the struggle’ in the life of a start-up. 1. What is the mission of your business and how do you hope it will change the world? busuu’s mission is to enable everyone
Figures reported by City A.M. this week show that London is creating jobs at the fastest rate in over a year.
Following your passion requires discipline – and that mantra has worked pretty well for Gousto founder, Timo Boldt.
No entrepreneur relishes restructuring their business. It can be complex and time consuming, but that doesn’t stop it from being worthwhile.
Today Nik Whitfield, CEO and Founder of Leap 100 company Panaseer, talks to us about encouraging honesty and communication within his team and the importance of adopting a 'glass half full' approach to the scaling-up journey.
It has today been reported that Britons could gain more control over what happens to their personal information under proposals outlined by the government. Responding to this development, Mishcon de Reya Cyber Security Lead Joe Hancock said: “These proposals are intended to transfer the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) into UK law, which means
We’re a nation of monoglots. Despite spending countless hours learning languages at school, many of our efforts are wasted.
There are mounting concerns about the skills shortage of school leavers.
Take a trip down any British High Street, and the chances are you’ll end up spending money in a franchised business.
Today, Will Swannell, Co-Founder and CEO of venue website, Hire Space, shares with us his experience of co-founding a fast growth business, including the challenges of building a high calibre team and the importance of taking the time to step back and see the bigger picture. 1. What is the mission of your business and
Adam Blaskey, Founder and CEO of The Clubhouse, discusses the biggest challenge he's faced as a business founder and why he values sharing a building with The Clubhouse members.
A fair few years ago, I lost a bet for which the punishment required me to eat a jar of baby food. I not only lost the bet, but also my battle with that tiny jar – I couldn’t get past the first mouthful. It was inedible. I have a feeling these days losing that
Last month, large scale cyber attacks took down NHS servers across the UK, as well as disrupting an estimated 200,000 individuals and businesses across 150 countries. Cyber security, from encryption to passwords to defences against ransomware, has once again become a headline issue for businesses. Almost all of The Leap 100 firms are taking steps
NOBODY starts a business with all the answers, but for startups and scaleups, your people are your business. They, and the things they create, are your primary asset, and when it comes to protecting it, the onus is on entrepreneurs to get it right. You can’t always rely on the law being on your side;
Today we're catching up with Timo Boldt, CEO and founder of recipe box company, Gousto.
Ahead of London Tech Week and our Leap Tech Forum: 'Going for Growth', learn how the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is likely to impact upon fast-growth tech companies and the steps you should take to protect your business.
Jacyn Heavens, CEO of award-winning electronic point of sale (EPOS) provider Epos Now, tells us about surviving fast-growth and what he loves most about his job. 1. What is the mission of your business and how do you hope it will change the world? I founded Epos Now in the belief that all businesses, regardless
A dog is for life, not just for Christmas.” Not any more, thanks to Rikke Rosenlund, founder of BorrowMyDoggy. As we discovered at a recent Leap 100 breakfast, now a dog can just be for Christmas. Or even a weekend.
For your business to succeed Passion is the driving force for starting and planning a business. But it’s not the only thing that keeps it going: it needs to be aligned with the rules of engagement. Rules of engagement will ensure that, when the going gets tough, the business has a clear protocol of actions
Some people love politics – the cut and thrust, cheering and jeering, pavement pounding and leafleting in support of their tribe. Others, not so much.
"If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation.” The sage words of Don Draper, protagonist of hit adland drama Mad Men.
Now entering its third year, The Leap 100 is a group of some of Britain’s most exciting, fastest growing companies. Over the next 12 months, we will follow this latest cohort in pages of City A.M., through regular polls, entrepreneur profiles and expert comment.
FinnCap is a unique business grown from unusual circumstances. Most significantly, FinnCap is now almost entirely owned by its employees.
You don’t need to IPO to achieve rapid growth. Just ask Richard Branson.
Highlights from our January 2017 event.
In an unprecedented time of change, the Leap 100 companies are making the most out of new opportunities.
As we approach March 31st, entrepreneurs should be vocal about the sort of visa system they need post-Brexit.
With Trump in the White House and a hard Brexit on the horizon, protectionism is back on the menu.
Until robots replace workers, entrepreneurs will need to think about how to keep their employees happy. But there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Rated People isn’t your normal tech company. Its chief executive Celia Francis is pushing boundaries in the world of work.
A MBO can be a fantastic opportunity, but it’s not for the fainthearted.
Stephen Phillips may have worked in market research for most of his career, but now he’s swimming against the tide.
On any given day, typing the words “cyber attack” into Google News will give you a fresh medley of hacking stories.
If you're looking for examples of tomorrow’s titans, the high-growth superstars that will change our world, you can find an abundance in Britain today.
For UK-based entrepreneurs, their fight against cybercrime will be fought from their workplace.
Success - while preferable to the alternative - brings its own challenges.
Entrepreneurs are control freaks; that’s what makes them successful. To continue to thrive, the founders sometimes need to let go.
Highlights from our January 2017 event, including an interview with Kate Richardson-Walsh, former Captain of the Team GB women’s hockey team.
Decoded is in the business of technology education. It has built a strong brand by offering classes like Data in a Day, while growing at a steady clip. But its founders want more.
As politicians enjoy saying, “the time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining”. This is also true of businesses.
Catch-up on the latest Jazz Shapers episode, featuring Daniel Gandesha of Property Partner.
You can’t walk down a London street these days without tripping over a flourishing market, street feast or pop-up bar. The stoics have lost; epicures, connoisseurs and bons vivants have won. We’re all hedonists now.
The Leap 100 are bullish about the future. “Nothing can stop us,” says one founder, echoing the optimism of fellow members.
Protecting intellectual property is probably not the first thing that springs to an entrepreneur’s mind during the heady days of founding their business. But it can’t be ignored.
Rytis Vitkauskas doesn’t strike you as the sort of person to court celebrities…
There's no getting away from it: Brexit has been a shock to the system and most entrepreneurs – particularly founders of fast-growing firms – wanted the result to go the other way…
Highlights from our June 2016 event, featuring Lord Daniel Finkelstein OBE, journalist and politician, former Executive Editor and now political columnist and Associate Editor of The Times.
It's a sign of the times that Glen Calvert, now 33 and with over seven years’ experience managing startups, doesn’t see himself as a young entrepreneur.
There are times when any employer must make tough management decisions.
Coffee culture is having a renaissance. We are aping London of the eighteenth century, when our ancestors couldn’t get enough of the brown stuff.
Building a business is a labour of love. Not just for the founders, but also for the employees and investors.
Twenty-two entrepreneurs from last year’s Leap 100 have become advisers to this year’s programme.
THE Leap 100 is a list of 100 of the most exciting, fast-growing companies in the UK. But it’s more than a list…
Leap 100 companies have been the driving force of British growth…
Each company in the Leap 100 is different. But they all excel in four crucial areas which distinguish them from Britain’s many other innovative and growing companies. In the entrepreneurs, we have looked for leadership and ambition, and in their companies we have looked into their team and money. This is why these qualities are
The Leap 100 isn’t a passive programme. Every month the pages of City A.M. will be ablaze with stories about the trials and tribulations of the founders we’re following.
International expansion enables continued growth, especially when local markets are saturated or competitive. Setting up a business overseas comes with its own set of challenges and uncertainties for business leaders. Drawing upon expert advice from senior executives who have spent many years launching and growing businesses all over the world, The Leap, with the FT
Speakers: Adam Rose - Partner, Mishcon de Reya LLP Joe Hancock - Cyber Security Lead, Mishcon de Reya LLP Emma Woollcott - Partner, Mishcon de Reya LLP This session, led by cyber specialists, will provide an insight into what happens in those first moments when a company has realised it has been hacked and what it must
Building and protecting your brand is critical to sustaining the growth of your business, whatever the sector. But there have never been more complex challenges for brands in the global marketplace. At this breakfast you will hear from: Bobby Stockley, CEO of Sophia Webster Cecile Reinaud, CEO of Séraphine, on how they approached the development of their
Investor relations aren’t just for those times when you’re raising money. Investor-investee relationship is crucial in driving success and the real work in nurturing your investors takes place before and after you accept capital. This breakfast will cover how to develop mutually beneficial relationships with investors; the aim being to understand how to maximise the
Join us to celebrate the achievements of Britain's leading women in tech. This event will be a chance to learn from the challenges and accomplishments of some of Britain's most successful female entrepreneurs and to get up to speed with the latest government policy surrounding tech. Key note speaker: The Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP, Chief Secretary
Raising money from the city LendInvest is the a marketplace for property finance, providing fast finance for property professionals and access to invest in secured property loans. In this Leap 100 Breakfast, you will hear from both Christian Faes (Co-Founder & Chief Executive) and Ian Thomas (Co-Founder & Chief Investment Officer). LendInvest has raised £40m
The competition to attract and retain talent is fierce. Entrepreneurs and business owners need to think about how to keep their employees happy and motivated. It is important to determine what's valuable to the employees, the owners and the business as a whole. This Leap Academy session will cover topics ranging from the various incentive
Sam will talk on about his new business book, Be More Pirate. Be More Pirate, published by Penguin Random House is a manifesto for each of us to create the sort of Good Trouble the world needs. It’s based on the true and untold strategy and success of the Golden Age of Pirates as agents
International Expansion Without International Offices This event will consider: How to plan out and execute international expansion; Different models for expansion and ways of keeping costs down; Standardising processes across international markets. Aron Gelbard Aron Gelbard is the Co-founder & CEO of Bloom & Wild, the venture-backed (£7.3 million) online and mobile flower gifting service
Engaging a company's workforce into the fabric of the organisation has never been more relevant. The political and economic uncertainty presents opportunities for business to explore alternative strategies and solutions to ensure longevity and success. Now backed by significant tax breaks and wide political support, employee ownership is an attractive and viable structure for business
How to Build and Harness the Power of your Brand Please join us for our fourth Leap 100 Power Breakfast of 2017, which will be hosted by Richard Hilton of Gymbox and chaired by Philip Salter of TEN. This event will consider: How to build a brand; How to harness a brand; How a brand
Being in business with other shareholders comes with a variety of opportunities and risks, and planning ahead can make the difference between success and failure. This session will look at common scenarios experienced by co-founders and how watertight shareholder agreements can ensure your business remains successful and protects the parties involved from any disputes down
Join us for a workshop on how restructuring can best position your business for growth. Having the right corporate structure can be invaluable to a business – particularly when looking to scale – and can make all the difference when seeking investment or preparing to sell. This session will look at how a reorganisation can
Join us for a workshop focusing on exiting a business and how to prepare for it. For many founders, a potential exit is a matter of when, rather than if. During this Leap Academy session, we will discuss the vital steps that need to be taken ahead of a sale and the importance of thinking
Join us for a workshop focusing on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Cyber Security. With less than a year to go until GDPR comes into force, this session seeks to clarify the upcoming changes that the new regulation will bring about and outline potential actions you can to take to avoid the legal
Join us for a workshop focusing on raising finance. Securing investment at whatever stage is, for most scale-ups, a significant milestone. In this session, we will look at the different types of investment available, how to best approach the investment process and how to position your company when seeking investment. Hosted by Mishcon de Reya
Building a Culture for Growth Please join us for our next Leap 100 Power Breakfast, which will be hosted by Timo Boldt of Gousto and chaired by Philip Salter of TEN. Timo will lead a discussion on: What makes start-ups successful; The importance of ownership values; Short versus long term focus. Timo Boldt is the
How to Build a Global Business Please join us for our third Leap 100 Power Breakfast of 2017, which will be hosted by Bernhard Niesner of Busuu and chaired by Philip Salter of TEN. Bernhard will lead a discussion on: How to prioritize markets in international expansion Global expansion with limited resources Our ‘growth hacks’
The 8th Sino-European Entrepreneurs Summit (SEES) will be held at Grosvenor House on 14-15 June 2017, co-chaired by H.E. Long Yongtu, the Rt Hon. Gordon Brown and H.E. Jean-Pierre Raffarin. 200 of the foremost business, political and thought leaders from China will attend in order to meet and converse with their European counterparts. This is
Building a Culture for Growth Please join us at Mishcon de Reya for this month's Leap 100 Power Breakfast. Timo Boldt, CEO and Founder of Gousto, will be discussing "Building a Culture for Growth". The event will cover: What makes start-ups successful The importance of ownership values Short versus long term focus If you are
Join us for Mishcon de Reya's Leap Tech Forum 'Going for Growth' - a morning of panel discussions, presentations and workshops for fast-growth tech companies looking to scale. The morning session will include: 'In conversation with Sarah Wood' A discussion and live Q&A with the founder of Unruly, the video ad tech company that sold
Leap 100 Power Breakfast with Rikke Rosenlund, founder of BorrowMyDoggy - Building a company based on a passion Please join us on 10th May for the first of our Leap 100 2017 Power Breakfasts. Rikke Rosenlund, founder of BorrowMyDoggy, will lead the session, discussing her experience of building a company based on a passion. Our
Please join us at Mishcon de Reya for the launch of The Leap 100 2017. Our first Leap 100 2017 panel event, chaired by journalist and political correspondent Jo Coburn, will focus on the important relationship between funders and entrepreneurs. Our panel of funders and founders will discuss the variety of investors available to founders,
The Mishcon de Reya Planning and Environment Group invites you to our breakfast seminar: TACKLING THE 'HOUSING CRISIS' When: Thursday 26 January 2017 8am - 9.30am (breakfast served from 8am) Where: Mishcon de Reya, Africa House, 70 Kingsway London, WC2B 6AH (View map) RSVP: To register for this event, please RSVP here. HOUSING CRISIS -
The tenth in the series of Leap 100 Power Breakfasts will take place on Wednesday 8 February, 2017 and will be led by Cameron Stevens, CEO and co-founder of Prodigy Finance. Cameron is a South African serial entrepreneur with a special focus on social entrepreneurship and early stage technology investing. He has previously founded a
Work: In Progress – in partnership with The Economist