What it takes to build at scale

What truly defines a billion-pound business in Britain today? There are 56 UK companies in the UK worth more than £1bn and where the founder (or founders) are still involved. It is a unique blend of vision, leadership, timing and resilience that propels these organisations from promising startups to global powerhouses.

On the podcast, we are joined by Deutsche Bank's UK CEO and head of wealth management, James Whittaker, as well as journalist Rober Watts to discuss the human stories behind these firms — the founders who took calculated risks, the executives who guided teams through uncertainty and the defining moments that set their companies apart. A recurring theme is the delicate balance between rapid growth and maintaining culture, as businesses expand across sectors and international markets.

But how easy is it to build to this level in the UK? Against a backdrop of economic challenges, regulatory complexity, and global competition, the role of institutional support and financial partnerships becomes more crucial than ever. Deutsche Bank’s experience with high-growth firms offers a unique window into how strategic finance can unlock new opportunities.

Key takeaways

- Focus on scale: Sustained growth requires clarity of vision and long-term commitment.
- Leadership matters: Billion-pound businesses are driven by leaders with ambition, adaptability and bold decision-making.
- Human stories: Behind every valuation milestone are personal sacrifices and strategic turning points.
- Economic context: The UK still offers fertile ground for ambitious enterprises — but success demands agility.
- Institutional backing: Financial partnerships play a pivotal role in translating ambition into achievement.

Ultimately, Great British Billion-Pound Businesses offers a rare look at the architecture of Britain’s most successful private enterprises — and the people building the next generation of billion-pound brands.

To see the full list and explore the companies and people on it, visit our Great British Billion-Pound Businesses hub.