James Murray: Alternative Networks

James Murray
Age: 34
Company: Alternative Networks

Like childhood friend Al Gosling, Murray skipped university to get started in business. Alternative Networks was founded 10 years ago and now has sales of £45m – from £35.2m last year- which Murray fully expects to reach £100m in three years via acquisition, consolidation and expansion into Europe. “I had dyslexia while at school, and left with very few O Levels,” says Murray, proving, like Branson (also dyslexic), that a perceived hindrance need not necessarily hold one back.

2016 update:

Murray remains as executive chairman of Alternative Networks, which is now one of the leading independent business technology service providers in the UK, is listed on AIM and employs over 600 people nationwide. He is a previous winner of Ernst and Young’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.