91. Reef Knots

Founder: Patrick Dudley-Williams
Founded: March 2013 (launched in August 2013)
Website: http://reefknots.com/

After perseverant founder Patrick Dudley-Williams was made redundant from his stock market job (two days before his wife had twins); he took a gamble and the budding entrepreneur used all his personal savings to launch the business he had always dreamed of – producing and selling beautiful, personal and inspiring handmade ties.

Dudley-Williams’ business concept began out of an aspiration to allow “confined” professionals to add a small piece of summer inspiration to their suits through classic, largely ocean-inspired designs (the business donates 10% of its profits towards ocean-saving Blue Marine Foundation). After impressive organic growth since launch in 2013 – the business has never taken on investment, owing its ability to grow the way it wanted to its expansion into corporate, customised, gifting partnerships – the business boasts impressive financials from multiple revenue streams. Alongside gifting partnerships with major finance companies and luxury brands, the start-up sells through its busy e-commerce site and leading retailers.

The made-in-Britain fashion firm, which counts public figures such as Boris Johnson, Mike Tindall and even Richard Branson (who famously is adverse to ties but made an exception to support Reef Knots) as fans, has an exciting year ahead. The next 12 months will see new product ranges and, in partnership with once iconic suit firm Morrows, the launch of its first store in the historic Leadenhall Market.