Mark Pearson: MyVoucherCodes

Top Gun: Mark Pearson, 31
Company: MyVoucherCodes
Web: www.myvouchercodes.co.uk

At the tender age of 31, Mark Pearson has achieved more than most entrepreneurs manage in a life-time. The former chef has created Britain’s biggest voucher and deals network, and framed an extraordinarily successful business model. His business, MyVoucherCodes, is currently achieving profit margins of more than 90% on £10m turnover, and earnings are forecast to rise by over 50% next year.

To cap it all, Pearson has managed to fund every penny of expenditure himself, and thus kept 100% of the equity. Unsurprisingly he is now earning widespread renown, having been a Secret Millionaire on Channel 4 and recently been recognised at the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards, in addition to Young Guns.

2012 update:

Partnered with over 3,500 retailers across 12 countries, MyVoucherCodes was valued at £60m by the Sunday Times Rich List. Pearson has held onto 100% equity and is due to reap the benefits of a £12m turnover forecast for 2012, drawing a £6m salary.