Oli Norman: DADA

Oli Norman, 31
Company: DADA
Web: dada.co.uk, itison.com

Set up in 2003, self-funded and profitable in its first few months, Glasgow-based DADA is a marketing agency with a difference. It enters joint ventures with its clients, which include Hilton and the BBC, often approaching them with unusual concepts. One such idea became an award-winning festival on the Glasgow subway network, for which DADA holds the merchandising rights. Its four divisions – events, PR, design and ventures – will turn over £4.2m this year. Founder Oli Norman also owns Sloans, Glasgow’s oldest bar and restaurant, and itison, a unique service targeting the exact consumer to a brand, product or event.