96. Smith & Sinclair

Founders: Melanie Goldsmith and Emile Bernard
Founded: January 2014
Website: www.smithandsinclair.co.uk

A chef’s innate curiosity, a lifelong sweet tooth and some impressive early pop-up success (£3,000 worth of sales in just three weeks) all led to the launch of Smith & Sinclair’s cocktail confectionary business. The sweet start-up, which creates its alcoholic pastilles using a combination of traditional cocktails mixed with unique flavours, claims to be the world’s first cocktail sweet. And its original take on confectionary is proving to be a hit with retail stores and leading brands alike – the business currently boasts an impressive client list that includes Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and Harrods, as well as globally recognised events London Fashion Week and the GQ Awards.

Since launching in 2014 the business, founded by Emile Bernard and Melanie Goldsmith, has expanded its revenue streams from exclusively retailing its core range of six signature flavour pastilles, to white label products (creating bespoke flavours for B2B and weddings) and partnerships with leading alcoholic brands (which includes selling to and providing consultancy). Alongside hitting revenue targets of half a million, Smith & Sinclair has plans to break into the travel industry, with one hotel group already secured, increase its alcoholic brand partnerships and grow the company by an ambitious 500%.