Category: Interviews

As part of the Get Britain Trading campaign, the Forum of Private Business seeks stories from successful small firms to help inspire and guide other entrepreneurs toward growth.

Xenios Thrasyvoulou, 33, is the founder and CEO of PeoplePerHour, a leading global marketplace connecting startups and small businesses with a community of talented freelancers working online. Founded in 2007 there are now over 330,000 registered users and growing daily.

“Hannah Macleod is one half of the art business Coulson Macleod (the Coulson half is her husband Mark). They design typography- & illustration-based artwork, which they print onto natural & reclaimed materials including wood, metal, stone, & recycled paper. They also design their own frames, which are individually handmade in Britain by traditional craftsmen. Hannah is often invited to talk about the success of her business & online marketing.

Chris Nolan Director venuesworld.com talks to us about her influences

Ivailo Jordanov, 37, is the founder of social shopping website Styloko.com and the free iPhone and iPad app 23snaps.

Adam Riccoboni is the co-founder of MBA & Company, the global marketplace of top tier freelancers with at least five years experience and postgraduate degrees from top business schools, and all available to small and large businesses for short-term, project-based work. Adam has also co-authored the how-to business book, The Art of Selling Yourself.

Rupert Hunt founded SpareRoom.co.uk – now the UK’s biggest flatshare website – in 2004, having previously started intoLondon.com, the first flatshare site in London. Here he tells us about his influences.

One of Dame Marjorie Scardino’s first acts as chief executive of Pearson was to sell the company’s stash of Chateau Latour wine to Sotheby’s. It was a sign of things to come.

Fabulous Women was founded in 2011 by Paullette Schwartz. Paullette has started, and grown, many of her own businesses in addition to a highly successful corporate career and here she talks to us about the influences in her life.

Jamie Waller, 33 year old, born in London self made entrepreneur. CEO of JBW Group, the UKs fastest growing technology lead case management, debt recovery and enforcement provider tells us what are the things which influence him.

Barnaby Lashbrooke, 30, set up his first business – in web hosting – aged just 17, and sold it aged 24 to a UK PLC for a multi-million pound sum. Now as the founder of The Beyond Card, a new employee rewards card with perks that include access to VIP airport lounges around the world and a concierge service, as well as discounts on holidays, dining out and leisure activities we ask him about his influences.

Karen Weir is managing director of Weir Insurance Brokers, a second generation family business which Karen runs with her husband Duncan Weir, technical director. Here she tells us about the influences in her life.

The Forum of Private Business wants thriving small firms to share their success stories for the Get Britain Trading campaign, aiming to provide valuable advice to other business owners.

The Forum of Private Business is looking for success stories from thriving small businesses to share through its Get Britain Trading campaign, aiming to inspire other entrepreneurs with their secrets of success.

A few years ago Arnold Sebutinde from Birmingham was unemployed and desperately unhappy. A few years on, and with the help of The Prince’s Trust, Arnold has managed to turn his life around and is the proud owner of his own portrait business.