Best Startup
At Best Startup UK we track over 130,000 UK startups and over 500,000 people who hold key positions in these companies. We use this directory of startups to highlight top employees, founders and board members we think deserve more appreciation than they are currently getting.
This list showcases the top United Kingdom based Managing Director operating in the Retail space. If you think a Managing Director is missing from this list, feel free to contact our editor on editor@beststartup.co.uk.
The individuals on this list have been included because of exceptional performance in one of the following categories:
- Innovation – Operating as a key part in an extremely innovative business or startup.
- Growth – Operating as a key figure in the growth and upscale of a market leading business or startup.
- Management – Showing exceptional management skills.
- Societal impact – Putting their business on the map for their positive societal or environmental impact.
Our Data – We source our data from OSINT (open source intelligence) and public directories such as Companies House UK, Crunchbase, SemRush and many more. The data from these sources should be treated with a degree of caution and verified yourself.
Alex Green
Managing Director, Amazon Video of Amazon
Follow Alex Green:
About Amazon: Amazon is an e-commerce website for consumers, sellers, and content creators.
Carla Buzasi
Managing Director of WGSN.com
Carla Buzasi was the founding editor of The Huffington Post UK. During her time at the publication, she saw it grow to 24.4 million global unique users per month, and attract more than 10,000 bloggers, including the likes of David Beckham, Cherie Blair and HRH the Prince of Wales. She also held the role of Vice President and Global Editorial Director of Huffington Post Lifestyle. Carla was awarded the Media Innovator of the Year award in 2012 and has won Editor of the Year at the Online Media Awards for the past two years. She was also named as one of the top 50 female Innovators in Digital Journalism in 2013. In the summer of 2014 she left Huffington Post to take on the new role of Global Chief Content Officer at trends and intelligence company WGSN, leading an international team of journalists, trend forecasters and designers. In addition to her day job, she is a regular commentator on the media, appearing on Newsnight, The Andrew Marr Show, Daily Politics, Sky News and Lorraine.
Follow Carla Buzasi:
About WGSN.com: WGSN a B2B, world-wide information source for the design, textile and style industries.
Parminder Basran
Co-founder and Managing Director of Velos Partners
Parminder Basran is the Founder & Managing Partner at VGC Partners.
Follow Parminder Basran:
About Iconic Images, Kick Game, Round World Entertainment, Twenty Ten Capital, Velos Partners, VGC Partners, WIT Fitness: Velos Partners is a consumer growth capital firm investing in retail innovation, health & wellness, and luxury & entertainment.
Galahad Clark
Founder & Managing Director of Vivobarefoot
Galahad Clark is the Founder and Managing Director of Vivobarefoot.
Follow Galahad Clark:
About Terra Plana, Vivobarefoot: UK-based shoe brand and Crowdcube alum
Stuart Hennell
Co-Founder & Managing Director of Watchfinder
Stuart Hennell is a Co-Founder & Managing Director at Watchfinder • Stuart spent 6 years working on various Major UK and European Projects in the Civil Engineering Industry • He has lots of experience negotiating and developing supplier/client relationships both inside and outside of the UK as well as strong leadership skills and have used them to build a strong and successful team at Watchfinder • Stuart goal is to build Watchfinder into a worldwide brand and a byword for quality products delivered with the highest standards of customer service • Stuart studied Engineering Geology & Geotechnics at University of Portsmouth
Follow Stuart Hennell:
About Watchfinder: Watchfinder is the world’s leading retailer of pre-owned watches
Samantha Tyrer
Managing Director of Co-op
Follow Samantha Tyrer:
About Co-op: Co-op, home to Food, Insurance, Funeralcare, Legal Services and Electrical
Damian McGloughlin
Managing Director of HomeBase
Damian McGloughlin is CEO at Homebase UK &Ireland.
Follow Damian McGloughlin:
About HomeBase: HomeBase is a home improvement and garden retailer.
Pierre Sapin
Managing Director of BORN
Follow Pierre Sapin:
About BORN: BORN is the world’s first private B2B platform that connects a global network of design-led lifestyle brands and retail buyers.
Stephen Finch
Founder and Managing Director of Vagabond Wines
Stephen Finch is the Founder and Director of VAGABOND and BOXCAR
Follow Stephen Finch:
About BOXCAR, Vagabond Wines: Vagabond Wines is owns and operates wine bars and shops in the United Kingdom.
Andrew Jennings
Group Managing Director, Retail of Woolworths Limited
A highly accomplished global retail executive with more than 40 years of achievement at some of the world’s most respected high-end, speciality stores. Recognised for his leadership capabilities and performance-driven management style, Andrew Jennings commands a vast knowledge of consumer trends, vendor networks and retail practices in mature and emerging markets. He has distinguished himself in senior executive positions in six countries and on four continents including Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, The United States, South Africa and Germany.
Follow Andrew Jennings:
About Saks Fifth Avenue, Woolworths Limited: Woolworths is an Australian company that was founded in 1924 in Sydney. When we opened our first store.
David Tilstone
Managing Director of Macquarie Bank
David Tilstone leads the renewables team for MIRA in Europe, overseeing asset management of the existing renewables asset portfolio, as well as all transaction activity in the renewables sector. David was a key part of the acquisition team for what became the MEIF Renewables portfolio in MEIF1, leading a number of acquisitions as well as the recent realisation process. David also led the acquisitions of Varmevarden, Renvico and GIB OSW Co.Having joined MIRA in 2005, David brings to his role extensive senior management experience across renewable energy and utility assets. David spent 12 years working in the energy industry, starting his career with National Grid (the UK’s electricity transmission provider). He also worked at TXU Europe, performing a wide range of commercial roles within the UK and Continental European Energy markets including operations, major contract negotiations and re-structuring and M&A activity.
Follow David Tilstone:
About Macquarie Bank: Macquarie Bank, a subsidiary of Macquarie Group, provides various retail financing and commercial banking services primarily in Australia.
Adam Hain
Senior Managing Director of Macquarie Bank
Adam has over 20 years of investment banking experience and is responsible for coverage of EMEA clients in the infrastructure and utility sectors including all infrastructure funds, sovereign wealth funds and major institutions. Additionally, he’s now responsible for coverage of Financial Sponsors across Europe. Prior to this, Adam was head of the European Industrials and Financial Services Advisory Group in EMEA.
Follow Adam Hain:
About Macquarie Bank: Macquarie Bank, a subsidiary of Macquarie Group, provides various retail financing and commercial banking services primarily in Australia.
Neil Old
Managing Director of Signet Jewelers
Follow Neil Old:
About Signet Jewelers: Signet Jewelers engages in the retail sale of jewelry and watches in the United States, the United Kingdom.
Xavier Bellouard
Co-Founder, Managing Director & Board Member of ActiveViam
Xavier Bellouard is Managing Director of ActiveViam and one of its founders. Based in London, Xavier manages the UK operations and oversees the commercial efforts of the company across EMEA and Asia/Pacific. Before founding ActiveViam, Xavier was a key contributor to the development of Summit Systems, a software vendor of applications for front-office operations and trading desks. Xavier is passionate about the contribution that ActiveViam’s technology can make to the bottom-line of companies operating in highly demanding and complex markets. “Their bottom-up, experience-driven approach to innovation is a fundamental component of the company’s DNA. Since ActiveViam was created in 2005, they have valued it as a prerequisite to delivering cutting-edge technology to their clients”.
Follow Xavier Bellouard:
About ActiveViam: ActiveViam provides operational analytics solutions to business users in need of timely decision-making.
Jonathan Cole
Managing Director of Velorution
Jonathan Cole is the Executive Chairman at Velorution.
Follow Jonathan Cole:
About Bike Republic, Deko, syco systems, Velorution, Velorution: VELORUTION is the premium urban lifestyle cycling store.
Paul Archer
Founder and Managing Director of Duel
World Record-breaking Adventurer, Best-selling Author and founder of Duel. Aside from his expeditions and writing, he has spent his career building technology, including the Daredevil Project app development studio, and consulting for advertising agencies and tech companies. He founded Duel to democratise and decentralise marketing for brands. Duel is solving the lack of emotional connection and social proof in often clinical looking online stores by rewarding customers for creating visual testimonials and advocating among their friends, rather than wasting millions on advertising to drive sales. Before this Paul conceived and implemented the It’s on the Meter Expedition to drive to London taxi around the World. The expedition broke two Guinness World Records, raised over £20,000 and passed through 50 countries after driving 80,000 miles from London to London in Hannah, a 1992 London Taxi bought of eBay. Paul is also an experienced speaker, moderator and a conference host. Including TEDx, SXSW, Festival of Media, Cannes Lions, Social Media Week, GenerationE, the Content Marketing Institute and Retail.Tech, as well as guest lecturing at the British School of Fashion.
Follow Paul Archer:
About Duel: Brand Advocacy Platform that enables purpose-led brands to drive organic growth & retention through word-of-mouth & advocacy
William Lankston
Managing Director of Timpson Direct of Timpson
Follow William Lankston:
About Timpson: Timpson is the UK’s leading retail service provider.
Ian Cowley
Co-Founder & Managing Director of Cartridge Save
Ian Cowley is the managing director of Cartridge Save.
Follow Ian Cowley:
About Cartridge Save: Cartridge Save is an online printer cartridge retail shop.
Tony Fairhurst
Managing Director and Founder of Wallsauce.com
Follow Tony Fairhurst:
About Wallsauce.com: Wallsauce.com are here to deliver bespoke wall murals to help transform your living space or workplace.
Richard Lamb
Managing Director, UK of Jellyfish
Follow Richard Lamb:
About Jellyfish: Jellyfish works as a digital platform, supporting and drives digital transformation by providing strategy, technology, and training.
Peter Lukes
Managing Director & Founder of Wanstor
Peter established Wanstor in 2002 to provide a more proactive approach to IT support services than the then established ‘maintenance’ companies. Following an early career as a research chemist working at the universities of St Andrews, Durham and Rome, Peter changed track in the mid-90s and began the second phase of his career, in IT. Spells in Italy with a small system builder then back in the UK as technical director of an IT service and integration business followed, before the ambitious launch of Wanstor. Over ten years later, Peter has led the company through continuing success and growth by focusing on their dedication to “service and technical excellence”. Peter has kept Wanstor at the forefront of developments in cloud and hosting services, while adding a focus on core IT infrastructure, networking and front office support.
Follow Peter Lukes:
About Wanstor: Wanstor are a trusted IT Services company that supports organisations of all sizes in all industries.
Dan Price
Managing Director of BVG Group
Dan joined BVG Group in 1996, being promoted to Sales Purchasing Director in 2000. Dan heads up a large team that is responsible for developing Clifford James trade distribution, reader offer and mail order channel businesses. Dan spends several weeks a year with his team in the Far East sourcing new and innovative products for the group.
Follow Dan Price:
About BVG Group: BVG Group is a true multichannel retailer selling via online, B2B distribution, catalogues, off page and newspaper reader offers.
David Lawson
Managing Director AO Retail of AO World
Follow David Lawson:
About AO World: AO World is a online retailer company.
Asif Khetani
Managing Director, Ecommerce of BT Expedite
Follow Asif Khetani:
About BT Expedite: BT Expedite provides innovative, proven technology and business solutions for retailers.
Harriet Hastings
Founder & Managing Director of Biscuiteers
Follow Harriet Hastings:
About Biscuiteers: Biscuiteers is an award-winning online retailer of handmade iced biscuits.
Charlotte Bearn
Managing Director of Art Republic
Follow Charlotte Bearn:
About Art Republic: Art Republic is an online store that provides artworks, gifts and magazines including art advice services.
Emma Brannan
Managing Director of Jojo Maman Bebe
Emma Brannan is a marketing director at JoJo Maman Bebe. She is a former marketing manager at Grolier UK.
Follow Emma Brannan:
About Jojo Maman Bebe: Jojo Maman Bebe is an independent multi-channel retailer of maternity wear, babywear, and nursery products.
Steve Simper
Managing Director of Alltrade
Follow Steve Simper:
About Alltrade: Alltrade are the leading trade wholesalers and have been supporting the retail and installation sectors of the television reception industry
Steve Bennett
Co-Founder and Managing Director of WOOF & BREW Limited
Follow Steve Bennett:
About WOOF & BREW Limited: WOOF&BREW is a beverage company that produces healthy and herbal doggy teabags.
Scott Morris
Managing Director of DisplayPlan
Follow Scott Morris:
About DisplayPlan: DisplayPlan is specialists in delivering retail display programmes for the world’s most prominent brands and retailers.
Darren Likely
Managing Director of Agar Scientific
Follow Darren Likely:
About Agar Scientific: Agar is a leading manufacturer and distributor of scientific laboratory equipment, with a focus on electron microscopy consumables.
L Joyce
Managing Director of Agar Scientific
Follow L Joyce:
About Agar Scientific: Agar is a leading manufacturer and distributor of scientific laboratory equipment, with a focus on electron microscopy consumables.
L Joyce
Managing Director of Agar Scientific
Follow L Joyce:
About Agar Scientific: Agar is a leading manufacturer and distributor of scientific laboratory equipment, with a focus on electron microscopy consumables.
Iain Coplans
Managing Director of Stokly
Follow Iain Coplans:
About Stokly: Stokly provides a solution for large and small retailers.
Simon Maisey
Managing Director, Global Head of Business Development of Tradeweb
Follow Simon Maisey:
About Tradeweb: Tradeweb Markets is a global marketplace for electronic fixed income.
Patrick O’Connell
Managing Director of Bandvulc
As Bandvulc has developed and grownup so have I, from working on the factory floor during my school holidays the business has never stood still. My training in Engineering, Rubber Technology and holding a Masters in Business Administration have all helped in steering Bandvulc along a growth path to where it is today as a leading innovator in retreads, tyre management and delivering More Than a Tyre to its customers.
Follow Patrick O’Connell:
About Bandvulc: Bandvulc key retailers, supermarkets and logistics companies.
Ken Platt
Managing Director of Elevaate
Follow Ken Platt:
About Elevaate: Elevaate is the most efficient way for retailers and their suppliers to execute trade funded activity online.
Ben Jackson
Founder & Managing Director of Capsicana
Follow Ben Jackson:
About Capsicana: Capsicana is the multi-award winning, adventurous UK based Latin American food brand selling delicious sauces into 738 stores nationwide.
Tony Troth
Managing Director of Fisherman’s friend (B’ham) Limited
Follow Tony Troth:
About Fisherman’s friend (B’ham) Limited: Fisherman’s Friend is a distributor of apparel and products geared towards fishing enthusiasts.
Dan Williams
Managing Director & Founder of 100 Percent Group
Dan Williams is the managing director of 100 Percent Group.
Follow Dan Williams:
About 100 Percent Group: 100 Percent Group provides International Retail Installation services, to activate in-store marketing campaigns for global brands.
Ashley Morrison
Managing Director & Co Owner of Lockertek
Managing Director and chief tea maker. Literally knows everything about lockers, also thinks he’s a comedian.
Follow Ashley Morrison:
About Lockertek: The UK’s leading independent locker, and locker parts company.
Barnaby Oswald
Managing Director of Local Data Company
Follow Barnaby Oswald:
About : Local Data Company is the UK’s most accurate retail and leisure location data business.
Etan Ilfeld
Owner and Managing Director of Watkins Books
Etan Ilfeld works as Director at Tenderpixel. He is a owner of Watkins Media.
Follow Etan Ilfeld:
About Watkins Books: Watkins Books is one of the oldest and independent bookshops.
Miroslav Solanka
Managing Director of 68travel
Follow Miroslav Solanka:
About 68travel, Sportmeets: 68travel creates and manufactures wooden maps, scratch maps, and travel accessories, and other travel-related items.
Mark Thompson
Owner, Managing Director of Printdesigns Limited
Follow Mark Thompson:
About Printdesigns Limited: Portable Exhibition Stands Provider
Mark Thompson
Owner, Managing Director of Printdesigns Limited
Follow Mark Thompson:
About Printdesigns Limited: Portable Exhibition Stands Provider
Adam Simon
Global Managing Director & CFO of CONTEXT
Adam joined CONTEXT in February 2013 to develop the company’s research coverage of ICT and technology. Adam is growing the CONTEXT panel of ICT retailers across Europe and, using the panel data, brings fresh thinking for exploiting new market opportunities. In June 2015 he formed a pan-European Smart Home Research Group including Smart Home Associations, retailers and manufacturers and also pioneered research into the opportunities for retailers selling technology to small businesses (“R2B”). In May 2016 he formed a specialist research group on Virtual Reality. In September 2015 he launched the 1st CONTEXT Smart Home Survey which compares consumer attitudes to Smart Home across UK, France and Germany. In January 2016 he launched the 2nd survey covering in addition Spain and Italy. These surveys have become established as an authoritative source of information and understanding of the emerging smart home market. He is the organiser and speaker at a number of conferences and summits – he chairs the CONTEXT Smart Channels Summit which takes place at DISTREE EMEA in Monaco and APAC in Singapore, the Melco Forum in Valencia and the CONTEXT Retail CEO breakfasts at IFA and CES. In these events he brings together CONTEXT technology vendors, distributors, retailers and other partners around topical issues. He is a Director of the Smart Homes & Building Association (based in the UK) and member of the Fédération Française de Domotique (French Smart Home Association) and the German based Smart Home initiative. Prior to joining CONTEXT, Adam spent his career in professional services, introducing operational best practices in large retailers across multiple market sectors. He has worked with many of the largest retailers in Europe at senior executive level. Adam is a qualified Chartered Accountant, having spent 10 years working at KPMG, and has a degree in Modern History from the University of Oxford. He is married with 2 daughters and a son.
Follow Adam Simon:
About CONTEXT: Leading the company’s efforts to offer its customers unrivalled research coverage of the IT channel landscape in Europe.
Adam Simon
Global Managing Director & CFO of CONTEXT
Adam joined CONTEXT in February 2013 to develop the company’s research coverage of ICT and technology. Adam is growing the CONTEXT panel of ICT retailers across Europe and, using the panel data, brings fresh thinking for exploiting new market opportunities. In June 2015 he formed a pan-European Smart Home Research Group including Smart Home Associations, retailers and manufacturers and also pioneered research into the opportunities for retailers selling technology to small businesses (“R2B”). In May 2016 he formed a specialist research group on Virtual Reality. In September 2015 he launched the 1st CONTEXT Smart Home Survey which compares consumer attitudes to Smart Home across UK, France and Germany. In January 2016 he launched the 2nd survey covering in addition Spain and Italy. These surveys have become established as an authoritative source of information and understanding of the emerging smart home market. He is the organiser and speaker at a number of conferences and summits – he chairs the CONTEXT Smart Channels Summit which takes place at DISTREE EMEA in Monaco and APAC in Singapore, the Melco Forum in Valencia and the CONTEXT Retail CEO breakfasts at IFA and CES. In these events he brings together CONTEXT technology vendors, distributors, retailers and other partners around topical issues. He is a Director of the Smart Homes & Building Association (based in the UK) and member of the Fédération Française de Domotique (French Smart Home Association) and the German based Smart Home initiative. Prior to joining CONTEXT, Adam spent his career in professional services, introducing operational best practices in large retailers across multiple market sectors. He has worked with many of the largest retailers in Europe at senior executive level. Adam is a qualified Chartered Accountant, having spent 10 years working at KPMG, and has a degree in Modern History from the University of Oxford. He is married with 2 daughters and a son.
Follow Adam Simon:
About CONTEXT: Leading the company’s efforts to offer its customers unrivalled research coverage of the IT channel landscape in Europe.
