Gymshark

Ben Francis transformed Gymshark from a garage-based side-project into a global fitness-appeal brand. In 2012, while still studying at Aston University and working part-time for Pizza Hut, Francis launched Gymshark from his parents’ garage in the West Midlands, initially drop-shipping supplements and then pivoting into apparel after learning to sew with help from his grandmother. Gymshark’s early breakthrough came at the BodyPower expo in Birmingham, where a viral tracksuit sale helped trigger rapid growth online.

Gymshark grew quickly by using Instagram influencers to promote their hoodies, leggings and other kit. In 2020, a partial sale of 21 per cent to private-equity firm General Atlantic valued Gymshark at over £1bn, giving Francis the status of one of the UK’s youngest self-made billionaires. He remains majority owner and CEO of Gymshark, driving its growth into physical retail stores in Dubai, Bicester Village, Stratford Westfield and on London’s Regent Street.