The boss with a passion for fashion

JANET Thornton cuts an unconventional figure in the energy industry. A female chief executive in a sector traditionally dominated by men, Thornton started out as a dress designer and fashion remains a great passion.

An exceptionally driven self-starter, Thornton left school at 16, developed her own clothing brand and set up a small business designing bridal gowns, evening wear and children’s clothes.

Having gone to night school to learn about business management, she took up energy consultancy in 1991 and nine years later, aged 38, founded Inspired Energy.

Today the company employs 260 people and, such is their enthusiasm for the business and Thornton herself, that she has been known to receive spontaneous gifts and flowers from staff. This Tuesday, she might be hoping for a bouquet from one of her most loyal followers, husband Matthew, who joined the business in 2002 and is a board member.