1. Shay Segev, CEO, DAZN

Launched in 2015, DAZN is a global sports streaming platform now available in over 200 countries. Headquartered in London, it delivers live and on demand coverage of football, boxing, MMA, motorsport and more, with a strong reputation in combat sports. Beyond streaming, DAZN has diversified into betting, ticketing and e commerce, aiming to be a complete digital hub for sports fans. With millions of subscribers worldwide and additional reach through YouTube, the platform challenges traditional broadcasters by offering flexible, affordable access. Its mission is to transform how fans experience and engage with sport in the digital era.

Sector: Media

Region: London

2. Graham King, Founder, Clearsprings Ready Homes

Established in 1999, Clearsprings Ready Homes is a specialist UK provider of housing and support for asylum seekers and vulnerable individuals. Operating across London, southern England and Wales, it manages large Home Office contracts, offering temporary accommodation, transport, safeguarding and welfare support. The company works closely with local authorities, NGOs and community partners to deliver housing solutions in challenging circumstances. Recognised for its ability to handle complex needs, Clearsprings prioritises dignity, safety and continuity of care. By helping people through transitional periods in the immigration system, it plays an essential role in providing secure, managed homes.

Sector: Homes

Region: London

3. Thomas Morris, Founder, Home Bargains

Founded in Liverpool in 1976 by Tom Morris, Home Bargains has grown into one of the UK’s largest family-owned discount retailers. Trading as TJ Morris Ltd, the business operates over 600 stores nationwide, employing thousands of staff and serving millions each week. The chain is renowned for low prices, convenience and a straightforward, customer first approach. Stocking everything from household goods to health and beauty, toys and seasonal products, it offers exceptional value to communities across the country. Rooted in family values and strong service, Home Bargains has become a familiar and trusted name in UK retail.

Sector: Retail

Region: Rayleigh

4. Jason Millet, CEO, Mace Group Limited

Mace Group is a global consultancy and construction company founded in London in 1990. Now operating in over 70 countries, it delivers projects across infrastructure, real estate and urban development, with landmarks such as The Shard and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium among its achievements. Known for innovation and sustainability, Mace uses advanced methods and digital tools to deliver complex projects that transform communities. Its multidisciplinary teams specialise in solving construction challenges while creating long term value. With a strong focus on resilience and sustainable growth, Mace has become a leader in shaping modern cities and delivering transformative global projects.

Sector: Construction

Region: Liverpool

5. John Perkins, CEO, Specsavers

Specsavers, founded in 1984 in Guernsey by Doug and Mary Perkins, is a leading international provider of optical and hearing services. With more than 2,800 stores in 11 countries, it combines in store, online and at home care to deliver accessible services to millions of customers. Its joint venture model allows local professionals to co own stores while benefiting from global brand support. Renowned for affordability and clinical standards, Specsavers invests in professional training and technology to improve eye and hearing health. Rooted in community values, it continues to grow while ensuring high quality, accessible care for all.

Sector: Retail

Region: Fareham

6. Søren Hagh, CEO, William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons, founded in 1887 in Dufftown, Scotland, remains the largest independent Scotch whisky distiller in the world. Still family owned after five generations, it produces globally celebrated brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Grant’s and Hendrick’s Gin. With operations in over 50 locations and sales in nearly 200 markets, the company blends tradition with innovation to create premium spirits. Recognised for craftsmanship and authenticity, it has won global awards across its portfolio. Committed to heritage, sustainability and cultural stewardship, William Grant & Sons continues to honour its founder’s vision while shaping the future of the drinks industry.

Sector: Leisure

Region: Richmond

7. Tarsem Dhaliwal, CEO, Iceland

Sector: Retail

Region: Flintshire

Founded in 1970, Iceland Foods Group is a UK supermarket chain specialising in frozen and grocery products. Based in Deeside, Flintshire, it operates hundreds of stores under both the Iceland and Food Warehouse brands. The company is known for innovation, introducing affordable plant based ranges and leading on sustainability by pledging to remove plastic from own label packaging. With an emphasis on value and convenience, Iceland has become a staple for households nationwide. Its distinctive focus on frozen foods, combined with strong customer loyalty and campaigning on environmental issues, makes it one of the UK’s most recognisable retailers.

8. Phil Broad, CEO, Yeomans

Yeomans is a long established, family-owned automotive retail group with 36 dealerships across the UK. It offers new and approved used vehicles, light commercial sales, servicing, MOTs, repairs and Motability support. Known for trust and customer care, Yeomans provides a full ownership experience from purchase through aftersales. The company invests in apprenticeships and training, supporting career development in the motor industry, while also engaging with local communities through sponsorships and charitable activity.

Sector: Vehicles

Region: West Sussex

9. Steven Eagell, CEO, Steven Eagell Group

Steven Eagell Group is one of the UK’s leading Toyota and Lexus dealer groups, operating more than 30 Toyota branches and several Lexus Centres across the Southeast, East of England and West Midlands. The company provides new and used vehicles alongside servicing, MOTs, parts and aftersales care, with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. Founded in Milton Keynes in 2002, the group has grown steadily to become a trusted name in the automotive sector. In recognition of its performance and customer service, Steven Eagell Group was named Best Toyota Group at the Toyota BRIT Awards, underlining its reputation for excellence.

Sector: Vehicles

Region: London

10. Eoghan O’Lionaird, CEO, Wates

Wates is a family-owned business specialising in construction, development, property services and facilities management. It works with both public and private sector clients on projects including housing, education, health, justice and commercial development. Wates is known for its strong commitment to the communities where it works and its environmental and safety standards. Its recognitions include Gold Awards from the Considerate Constructors Scheme, wins at the Construction Manager of the Year Awards, and recognition at the Women in Construction & Engineering Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement award in 2025 for one of its colleagues.

Sector: Construction

Region: Surrey

11. Manpreet Gill, CEO, Bell Microsystems

Bell Integration, established in 1996, is a UK based IT services and consulting firm with global offices in Singapore, the US and the Middle East. The company provides expertise in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and managed services, helping organisations modernise operations and embrace digital transformation. Supporting industries from financial services to telecoms and government, Bell is known for building sustainable, secure IT infrastructures tailored to client needs. Its focus on resilience and adaptability ensures businesses can respond to rapid technological change. By combining technical expertise with a customer centric approach, Bell has become a trusted global technology partner.

Sector: Technology

Region: Portsmouth

12. Nadim Nsouli, Founder and CEO, Inspired Education

Inspired Education Group, founded in 2013 by Nadim Nsouli, is a London based network of premium private schools. Operating 121 schools across 28 countries, it educates over 95,000 students aged 1 to 18. The group delivers a holistic curriculum that blends academic excellence with sport, arts and extracurricular programmes, supported by global exchanges that enrich cultural awareness. With a presence across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas, Inspired combines international standards with local identity. Its schools focus on wellbeing, confidence and personal growth, preparing students to thrive as resilient, global citizens. Inspired has quickly become a leader in premium education worldwide.

Sector: Education

Region: London

13. David Wood, Founder and CEO, David Wood Foods

David Wood Foods is a UK food manufacturer specialising in fresh, high quality products, from artisan bread and savoury pastries to sweet bakery items and prepared meals. Established with a vision to combine artisanal craftsmanship with large scale production, the company now operates eight sites nationwide. Supplying major grocery retailers and foodservice providers, it has become a key partner in the own label sector. With expertise in creating bespoke recipes tailored to consumer trends, David Wood Foods balances tradition and innovation, offering flexibility, consistency and trusted quality across its portfolio, and reinforcing its role in the fresh food industry.

Sector: Food

Region: Leeds

14. Paul Hendy, CEO, Hendy Group

Hendy Group, founded in 1859, is one of the UK’s longest established family run automotive retailers. With around 70 locations across the South Coast, the group represents over 20 leading vehicle brands, offering new and used car sales, servicing, MOTs, repairs, leasing and parts. Now under fifth generation leadership, Hendy combines heritage and tradition with modern customer focused practices and investment in technology. Its enduring reputation is built on trust, service and innovation, and the business continues to grow while staying true to its family values. Hendy remains a respected name, delivering quality and reliability across the automotive sector.

Sector: Vehicles

Region: Hampshire

15. Darren Ardron, Managing Director, Perrys Group

Perrys Group is a family-owned automotive retailer founded in 1908, with a network of more than 50 dealerships across England. Representing a diverse mix of vehicle brands, the group provides new and used sales, servicing, MOTs, leasing, and mobile repairs. Renowned for its award-winning service, Perrys takes pride in its customer first culture, delivering a comprehensive vehicle ownership experience. With over a century of heritage, the company has built trusted relationships through quality, transparency and aftersales support. Today, Perrys continues to grow its footprint, combining modern retail practices with the values that have defined its long-standing success.

Sector: Vehicles

Region: Northampton

16. Philip Cheevers, CEO, McLaughlin & Harvey

McLaughlin & Harvey, established in 1853, is a leading construction and civil engineering company headquartered in Belfast. Operating throughout the UK and Ireland, it delivers projects across healthcare, education, energy, leisure and marine sectors. Known for its in house delivery and technical expertise, it has completed landmark projects including the SSE Arena Belfast and the award winning V&A Dundee. With more than a century of experience, the company balances tradition with modern innovation, embedding sust