Meet the Young Guns Class of 2015

The country’s most outstanding entrepreneurs aged 35 or under behind Britain’s fastest growing firms have been unveiled today in Growing Business’ Young Guns ‘Class of 2015′ index.

This year’s class is made up of 44 entrepreneurs behind 30 of the country’s burgeoning businesses which have achieved revenues of at least £1m or funding of over £250,000.

The average age of qualifying founders in the index is 29.5 years-old – with the youngest entrepreneur aged just 21 – and the 30 businesses collectively employ over 1,150 people.

The Young Guns index also gives a clear picture of the UK’s evolving funding landscape with over £133m raised by the 23 businesses which have secured investment – averaging £5.8m per business – £19m more (14.2% higher) than the total raised by the Young Guns Class of 2014.

Running for its 13th year, Young Guns has a reputation for identifying emerging talent and has previously recognised fledgling businesses started by the likes of Richard Reed of Innocent Drinks, Holly Tucker MBE of Notonthehightstreet.com, and Michael Acton Smith OBE of Mind Candy.

Recognised at an awards luncheon held at the stunning Kensington Roof Gardens today, the Class of 2015 join an alumni of over founders of 360 businesses named since the Young Guns awards began in 2003.

Sponsored by law firm Keystone Law and chartered accountants haysmacintyre, the Young Guns awards celebrates the most outstanding young entrepreneurs Britain has to offer with only 30 companies selected each year, and no repeat appearances.

Growing Business editorial director, Ian Wallis, commented:“Britain is still emerging from a period of economic difficulty and we continue to live under the measures of austerity, but businesses like those created by our Young Guns not only give us all hope – they are the ones making the big difference by investing in talent, innovation, and infrastructure.

“Whether it’s their wealth, their brand, or their ability to inspire another generation, the Class of 2015 will be the businesses and entrepreneurs you see celebrated in 10 years for what they’ve achieved. Remember their names.”

Click the next button to view the Young Guns Class of 2015…