21. The App Developers

Founders: Sam Furr and Ben Hogan
Founded: February 2011 (launched July 2012)
Website: www.the-app-developers.co.uk

Co-founders and ‘passionate geeks’ Sam Furr and Ben Hogan started out making mobile apps for their own enjoyment; but this passion turned into a viable business after the two-man team were featured on the BBC’s Be Your Own Boss programme, where they were mentored by Innocent Drinks’ Richard Reed and received £3,000 seed capital investment. The exposure created by the programme has allowed the business to grow hugely in less than a year of trading; making apps and games for clients ranging from private individuals to household names such as Walkers, PepsiCo and Carling, and smashing its expected turnover target by more than 300%. The duo have hired a ‘mastermind’ team of staff and recently moved into a much larger office; the company has also begun developing some in-house apps which have the potential to create even larger returns.