Nicko Williamson: Climatecars

Nicko Williamson, 26 
Company: Climatecars 
Web: www.climatecars.com

Nicko Williamson knows that a cab service has to do more than simply get people from A to B if it’s going to carve itself a decent share of the market. So carbon-neutral car-hire service Climatecars not only uses the environmentally friendly hybrid Toyota Prius, but also throws in extras such as uniformed drivers and free mineral water. As a result, the business is proving popular with a range of major organisations, such as Unilever, Absolute Radio and Virgin. Although Climatecars’ fleet of more than 60 cars is based in London for the moment, founder Williamson has his sights firmly set on further growth within and beyond the capital.

2012 update:

Last year Williamson won the Ernst & Young entrepreneur of the year, London and south west. Turnover has broken £2m and is running at close to £4m in 2012, with one of the world’s largest investment banks as a client. The taxi company is the first to launch 100% electric cars in its 100-plus fleet and has recently launched a booking app. Williamson, who appeared as a mentor on the BBC’s Be Your Own Boss, aims to hit £10m-plus turnover as quickly as possible.