The LDC Top 50 2025

Download The LDC Top 50 2025 brochure to read more about the UK’s best and brightest entrepreneurs. The Top 50, Ones to Watch and some of our alumni - tell their story, in their words.

Download the brochure

The category award winners from The LDC Top 50 of 2025 will be announced in The Times and appear here on Thursday 9th October.

One thing that unites the leaders in The Top 50 is that they never give up. No matter what obstacles lie in their path – intensifying competition, staff shortages, challenging supply chains, an uncertain global economy. These ambitious leaders are navigating complex markets with ingenuity and persistence, achieving remarkable results.

These entrepreneurs are on the path to great achievements – they’re already pushing boundaries in their chosen fields, whether improving national security, sourcing healthcare workers or making it easier to return a parcel. The Ones to Watch all have the drive and determination needed to succeed, create jobs and generate growth within their respective sectors.

Darren Auld

Founder & CEO, ClearSky Logic

“ClearSky Logic is the tech enabler for mid-market. We combine strategic thought leadership with high-paced implementation across bespoke software, data and AI. Our mission: unlock exponential growth, empowering clients to become the UK’s next unicorns.”

Caitlin Barrett

Managing Director, Marco Paul

“At Marco Paul, I’m focused on building something that lasts, strengthening our brand beyond marketplaces and growing a culture where people thrive. My ambition is simple: create a business that performs brilliantly because people feel they belong and want to stay.”

Tim Bolot

Founder & CEO, Tendable

“Tendable is a global digital platform transforming quality improvement across all health and social care settings. I’m passionate about providing frontline teams with the tools they need to drive measurable, organisation-wide improvement – and make a real difference to patients and residents.”

Kathryn Brown

CEO, Rubicon Bridge

“Rubicon Bridge’s software solves regulatory compliance challenges for brands across Europe. Female founded and built without institutional money, more than 40 per cent of our revenue comes from overseas trade – with revenues tripling over the last three consecutive years.”

Jonathon Clarke

CEO, Locate a Locum

“At Locate a Locum, we’re driven by a simple ambition: to mobilise the world’s healthcare workforce. It’s incredibly rewarding to create technology that ensures professionals are exactly where they’re needed. My proudest achievement? Empowering over 40,000 locums to make a real difference.”

Tom Cox

Founder & CEO, Humara

“We’re on a mission to create a virtual sales agent that performs better than a human sales agent. Uniquely combining AI with consumer psychology, Humara is proud to simplify the digital sales journey and build buyer confidence for leading global brands.”

Oliver Deane and Guy Jones

Co-Founders, The GoodNet

“The GoodNet is a data company delivering ESG-powered advertising performance. We help brands align media investment with sustainability goals – proving that low-carbon, responsible advertising drives stronger results.”

Chris Down

CEO, OpenWorks Engineering

“OpenWorks produces precision, AI-powered electro-optical systems for the defence and security sector. Our mission is to help protect the airspace of the United Kingdom and our NATO allies. We’re enormously proud when we see our equipment being used to save lives.”

Tom Dunlop

Founder & CEO, Summize

“Summize is a global Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) solution that prioritises business-wide CLM adoption through seamless integrations, expert implementation plans and powerful AI. We help businesses achieve contract clarity across the whole company.”

Matthew Dunne

Founder, Despatch Cloud

“Despatch Cloud is powering the next generation of logistics. We’re on a mission to put enterprise fulfilment into the hands of every business. Our easy to adopt software helps customers move faster, ship smarter – and work without the chaos.”

Thomas William Dunning

CEO, Ad Signal

“Ad Signal provides world-first content intelligence and understanding services for any video, image or audio content. We’re on a mission to reduce our clients’ content storage & AI cost and carbon by 60 per cent – and save 1 per cent of global CO2 emissions.”

Rich Flemming and Philippa Flemming

Operations Director and Managing Director, Aspire Scientific

“At Aspire, we do things differently: staying proudly independent, putting people first, and striving for impact. Our talented team transforms complex clinical data into communications that improve patient care. While our corporate responsibility efforts aim to build an enduring legacy.”

Greg Freeman

Founder & CEO, Data Literacy Academy

“Our proudest achievement? Creating a category where none existed. Data Literacy Academy is now setting the global standard in business data & AI literacy, and building a brand that top talent choose as the best career decision they’ve ever made.”

Malcolm Glaister

Founder & CEO, Sirius Insight

“We’re proud to be the UK’s leading maritime surveillance business, employing our proprietary AI technology to enhance efficiency, resilience and responsiveness against complex threats at sea. In 2026, we look forward to strengthening our growth in UK and international markets.”

Chris Green

CEO, Xapien

“Xapien is transforming how the world manages risk in business relationships, through AI-powered insights on any company or person in the world. We believe every organisation should have access to clear, transparent and actionable information about who they’re engaging with.”

Derry Green

Founder, The Secret Garden Glamping

“At The Secret Garden Glamping, we’re redefining outdoor hospitality by blending boutique hotel service with immersive woodland stays. Our mission is to create unforgettable, personalised experiences – and we’re proud to be leading innovation across the glamping sector in the UK and beyond.”

David Griffiths

CEO, FISCAL Technologies

“FISCAL Technologies provides technology and services that empower finance teams to protect their spend. We aim to help finance teams across the world to defend against bad things happening to them – including fraud, financial leakage, errors and inefficiencies.”

Jonathan Guest

CEO, Safety Shield Group

“The ambition for me and the Safety Shield Group team is clear – to save lives. We’re a pioneering force in AI safety solutions, redefining safety standards across every work site globally. We empower teams to operate smarter, safer and more efficiently.”

Jon Hill

Founder & CEO, JACK RYAN

“JACK RYAN is an independent, AI-powered media agency transforming communications for public and private sectors worldwide. Our mission: to deliver campaigns that matter – driving measurable growth, inspiring action and behavioural change through innovative partnerships like our life-changing work with the NHS.”

Simon John Hill

CEO, Xperate

“Xperate’s global team combines innovation with empathy, creating powerful, bespoke software solutions for the legal profession, through offshore development and consultancy. With 160+ experts across five continents, we’re continuing our bold expansion plans.”

Jacob Hinson, Billy Whiffen and Craig Swallow

Founder, Operations Director and CRO, eLocker

“At eLocker, we’re working hard to help retailers improve customer’s click and collect experience. Our mission? To make collections and returns efficient and secure through mobile-first technology.”

Aaron Holmes

CEO, Kani Payments

“I founded Kani alongside a team of specialists who’ve experienced the challenges of payment reconciliation and financial reporting first-hand. Our team is united by a clear mission: to make complex financial data easier to manage, less time-consuming and more valuable.”

Jason Kalwa

CEO, Salus

“Salus is an award-winning UK cybersecurity consultancy trusted in national security, defence, and critical infrastructure. We help clients strengthen their cyber posture amid today’s evolving geopolitical and security challenges.”

Denis Kaminskiy

Founder, Arcus Global

“Arcus is redefining public sector innovation, delivering mission-critical SaaS to local government and regulatory bodies. With products that transform services through AI-driven efficiency, data quality and automation, we’re proving SMEs can be powerful forces for good, driving meaningful change nationwide.”

Andrew Kays

CEO, Socura

“Leading a team responsible for protecting UK businesses and critical infrastructure is a huge source of pride. Being chosen to deliver Wales’ Security Operations Centre was a significant achievement for Socura, made possible only by our people’s talent and passion.”

Javid Khan

Co-Founder & CTO, Cloud Guard

“Leading CloudGuard to defend the world from evolving cyber threats by leveraging AI and automation, making enterprise-grade protection accessible to SMEs at affordable costs. My mission: utilising revolutionary AI innovation to build technologies that deliver positive impact to the world.”

Kane Lewis

Managing Director, Severnside Security

“Severnside Security is a purpose-driven fire and security specialist, committed to growth through partnerships that put social value at the heart. We align technical excellence with social responsibility so we can exist to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Jordon Lewis King

Chief Operating Officer, Delta Fire

“Delta Fire manufactures world-leading firefighting equipment from our sustainable UK facility. Our mission is to protect lives and the planet through innovation. Winning two King’s Awards is my proudest milestone in our journey to become a global leader in active fire suppression.”

Scott Lowe, Dan Stead and Joe Michael

Co-Directors, endpointX

“endpointX is a preventative cybersecurity company. We reduce organisations’ risk of cyber breaches through expert-led consulting, best-in-class technology, and process automation – ensuring critical tasks like patching and vulnerability management are done effectively and consistently.”

Jefferson Lynch

CEO, Red Olive

“We turn data into decisions that matter – from safer social housing to fairer insurance. Doing the right thing with data was why I set up Red Olive, and it’s what drives our work in responsible AI for our clients today.”

Johnny Manning

Founder & CEO, Connekt EV charging

“Connekt is a charge point operator that offers hotel, hospitality and destination electric vehicle charging solutions that seamlessly integrate with customers’ lifestyles. Our mission is to become the UK’s premier charge point operator and installer – and ultimately, shape a sustainable future for transportation.”

Nick Mason

Co-Founder & CEO, Turtl

“Turtl’s mission is to close the revenue gap and elevate content from a cost centre to a measurable driver of growth. We aim to become the leading content platform for brands serious about connecting marketing efforts to commercial outcomes.”

Terry McCann

CEO, Advancing Analytics

“Our purpose is to partner with ambitious organisations that see data and AI not just as operational necessities, but as powerful engines of growth. We turn technology into competitive advantage and unlocked revenue, so they can lead, not follow.”

Andrew McLernon and Jay Gorga

CEO and Chief Growth Officer, Interlink

“At Interlink, we’re combining AI-driven innovation with a people-first mindset to reshape global lead generation. Our ambition is bold: to be the world’s best lead generation company and the best place to work.”

Pete Mills

CEO, Crysp

“Crysp simplifies risk and compliance management for organisations worldwide – combining powerful technology with people expertise. With roots in Bradford and a vision for global impact, we’re scaling fast to redefine compliance standards everywhere.”

Megan Morass and Ella McWilliam

Co-Founders & Co-CEOs, Full Fat

“Our ambition is a global benchmark for marketing that protects mental health and delivers results, with care at its core. At Full Fat, our Cultural Resonance Index helps brands grow with integrity by filtering out harmful tactics and prioritising emotional connection.”

Sally Naunton

CEO, Bray Healthcare

“Bray is a gem of a company where UK manufacturing is proudly supporting the expansion of global access to healthcare products. As we grow, I’m committed to transformative leadership, continuous learning, and achieving ambitious goals with integrity, resilience, and a forward-thinking mindset.“

Martin Neale

Founder & CEO, ICS.AI

“ICS.AI is transforming how UK public sector organisations rethink service delivery through AI, achieving £5 million+ savings per council. Our Unified AI Platform is trusted nationwide, helping improve services and ensure financial sustainability.”

Robert Ogden

Founder & CEO, Renewable Exchange

“At Renewable Exchange, we’re driving an energy transition that thrives without subsidies. We are proud to have democratised the market through technology, proving renewables can outcompete fossil fuels on pure economics – a successful model we are now expanding globally.”

Kevin Orr

CEO, Liftango

“Liftango powers successful demand-responsive transport (DRT), fixed route and carpool systems across the world. We work with Fortune 500 companies, global bus operators, and government transport agencies. Our vision is simple: unlock all the good that comes from shared transport.”

Sachin Parab

CEO, Ravenscroft Health

“Ravenscroft Health has proudly evolved from a physiotherapy provider to a comprehensive one-stop healthcare solution. Our mission is to enhance the healthcare experience for our service users empowering them to lead healthier, happier lives.”

Harish Praveen

Founder, InFynd

“InFynd is a global provider of custom B2B data, combining proprietary AI technology with human verification to set new standards. As a next-gen demand generation partner, we turn data into actionable outcomes – driving growth, building trust, and delivering measurable results.”

Rajiv Ranjan

CEO, Complygate

“Complygate delivers AI-powered background screening, due diligence and compliance solutions that enhance operational efficiency, speed and accuracy. Our global platform streamlines pre-employment vetting to help organisations stay compliant, reduce fraud – and make faster, more informed decisions.”

Kay Riley

Managing Director, Spherica Business Solutions

“My ambition is for Spherica to lead the market in delivering automated, cost-efficient services – freeing employees from repetitive tasks to focus on innovation, creativity and growth. This aligns with our mission to prioritise meaningful work over mundane routines.”

Sid Sethi

Founder & Managing Director, Specscart.

“Specscart. is one of the UK’s fastest-growing businesses, redefining eyewear by improving prices, experience and delivery speed. With over 325,000 eyes seeing clearly in 132 countries, our ambition is to become the world’s number one eyewear brand – proudly made in Manchester.”

Nelson Sivalingam

Co-Founder & CEO, HowNow

“At HowNow, we believe the right skills, in the right hands, can solve the world’s biggest challenges. Unlocking that potential is the mother of all problems, but we’re proud to be solving it through our mission to upskill 10 million people by 2030.”

Jake Stevens

Co-Founder, Ziipline

“At Ziipline we deliver enterprise transformation with start-up agility, getting to impact faster on any scale. Our team has been hand-picked and grown from two to 55 in 18 months – bringing together the very best in the Salesforce consulting ecosystem.”

Mark Stuart

Joint Managing Director, Stuart Energy

“I strive to drive innovation with integrity, empower the Stuart Energy team through trust, and shape a sustainable future. I’m committed to bold action, resilience and purpose in today’s rapidly evolving clean energy landscape.”

Ryan Swann

Founder & CEO, RiskSmart

“At RiskSmart, we’re turning risk into rocket fuel for growth. Our mission? Make risk management simple and smart. We’re building bold, intelligent tools that help businesses thrive – with ambition in our stride and a smile on our face.”

Mark Sweeny

Founder & Group CEO, de Novo Solutions

“We don’t follow trends, we set them. The de Novo Solutions DNA is made of entrepreneurs, pathfinders and risk takers, delivering excellence in digital transformation. In four years, we’ve built a sustainable, profitable £10 million business, creating 100+ jobs. And we’ve just got started.”

Jamie Toyne

Founder & CEO, Herd Consulting

“As seasoned business analysts, product and delivery folk, Herd Consulting brings pragmatic, proven approaches shaped by hard-won expertise. We’re about leading change through a human-centred, experience-led approach – focused on outcomes over outputs, and on being great to work with.”

James 'JT' Turner

Founder & CEO, Delineate

“At Delineate, we’re redefining how brands make marketing decisions – challenging legacy market research companies with AI-powered insights. From launching operations in rural Wales to partnering with Coca-Cola globally, our ambition is to be the go-to partner for bold, data-driven growth.”

Richard West

CEO, Red Flag Alert

“At Red Flag Alert, we’re not just building software, we’re building the future of business intelligence. As the UK’s fastest-growing, full native cloud, predictive business data intelligence and analytics platform, we empower thousands of organisations to make smarter, faster decisions.”

David Youds

CEO, Resonant Group

“Resonant is a strategic communications consultancy group that drives engagement with medical and pharmaceutical innovations. It’s my mission to drive the success of this dynamic, award-winning company that sets new standards through its passion and expertise.”

Sara Young-Jamieson

Founder, St Eval

“My ambition is to build a brand with purpose and longevity – one that connects people to nature, champions sustainability, and sends light into the world. Our brand is recognised globally for its integrity, circularity, and deep care for the Earth we share.”