62. Charbrew

Founder: Adam Soliman
Founded: October 2009
Website: www.charbrew.com

Like many others, 24-year-old Adam Soliman struggled to find a job after graduating. Unlike many others, he founded a successful business in the tea industry as a result. Charbrew tea has made waves already in its young life, being sold in 408 Sainsbury’s stores so far, as well as other stockists spanning supermarkets, hotel chains and gyms. It has also just launched with Ocado and a leading UK airline.

Competing with the likes of Twinings has been a challenge, admits Adam, who creates the recipes himself, but turnover last year was a solid £110,000, and he’s projecting this to grow to £350,000 for 2012. With a focus on the freshest, finest ingredients from around the world, Charbrew also holds its environmental credentials dear.