Young millionaire is inspiration for ‘future faces’

I’M a firm believer that the West Midlands is a hotbed of innovation.

It’s one of our greatest strengths and a topic that I’m passionate about, in my role as president of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and as head of the Birmingham office at law firm Mills & Reeve, which publishes a bi-annual ‘Innovation 50’ report.

So it has been pleasing this week to see the phenomenal success one of the region’s most forward-thinking companies receive such widespread coverage.

Gymshark, based in Solihull, has had a meteoric rise over the past eight years to become a major name in the fitness world. A $300m deal with US investors Global Atlantic means the Gymshark brand is now a global juggernaut.

Of course, obtaining ‘unicorn’ status – a term used for a start-up business valued at £1bn and above – doesn’t happen overnight. It requires sound decisionmaking and an innovative approach along the way. You cannot help but be inspired by the success founder Ben Francis (pictured) – a former Aston University student – and his team have created through a clear, defined and innovative strategy and by creating an infectious, entrepreneurial culture. They’ve shown innovation through their use of social media, not only to build their brand, but also to engage with online communities in different parts of the world.

Secondly, they are peoplefocused, particularly when it comes to inspiring young people to be the best they can.

And it is their commitment to the future generations that we’ve been lucky enough to experience first hand at the Chamber through our Future Faces division. Gymshark, alongside Aston University, Deutsche Bank and my firm Mills & Reeve, are patrons of

Future Faces and have supported the organisation and its members with a range of initiatives including professional development sessions and behindthe-scenes events at the headquarters.

The opportunity to go behind the curtain at such an innovative global firm – created by an entrepreneur who is still under 30 – must be inspiring for any young professional. And last year, in an even more tangible sign of Gymshark’s dedication to nurturing young talent in the West Midlands, the firm purchased 10 Future Faces memberships which were then donated to young people to aid their development.

This was a real revelation because it allowed some of those who may not have previously had such opportunities a chance to network, develop and be recognised.

As we prepare to celebrate some of the region’s brightest at the Future Faces annual awards next Friday, it is important that we highlight success stories like Ben Francis and Gymshark to show what is possible if our young people are given the right opportunities. The firm’s ‘Talent Without Limits’ ethos is something we can all take inspiration from. Steve Allen is President of Greater Birmingham Chambers of

Commerce