Conversations with Nickleby

Investor, entrepreneur, and long-time owner of Saracens Rugby Club, Nigel Wray has backed some of the UK’s most recognisable brands - from Domino’s to private businesses across property, publishing, and sport. In this episode, he shares candid reflections on loyalty, instinct, compounding, and why the best investments often start with people, not spreadsheets.

Current Chairman of Revolut and co-founder of Aberdeen Asset Management, where he spent decades building one of Europe’s leading investment firms. Known for his steady hand, sharp dealmaking and ability to navigate complex markets, Martin has remained at the forefront of global finance for over 40 years. A conversation on building with ambition, resilience, and strategic clarity.

Simon Rogerson co‑founded the Octopus Group in 2000 and has spent the years since building it into a multi‑sector powerhouse focused on energy, education and financial services. With a first‑class degree and a reputation for decisiveness, Simon brings the mindset of an athlete to the boardroom – always pushing for impact, innovation and scale. In this episode we dive into what real endurance in business looks like, how to stay rooted when you’re growing fast, and why structure plus belief equals impact.

Carol Kane, co-founder of Boohoo, joins us to share the story of building one of the UK’s most recognisable online fashion brands. She talks about the pace and instinct needed to thrive in fast fashion, the challenges of scaling while staying close to the customer, and the importance of staying humble while leading in an industry that never slows down. A conversation on intuition, resilience, and building at speed without losing your grounding.

As part of the family behind one of the UK’s largest private businesses, Steve Rigby brings a rare perspective on family businesses, long-term thinking, legacy and UK politics. In this episode, he shares lessons from scaling across sectors, backing bold founders, and balancing heritage with ambition. A thoughtful conversation on what it means to lead, invest, and grow - without losing sight of core values.

From a humble beginning as one of eight children in Glasgow to leading Amazon in the UK and reporting directly to Jeff Bezos, Brian has led high-performing teams in multiple fields and has become a City grandee. A unique perspective from someone who has sat on the boards of Trainline, KPMG, the MOD, CBI, ASOS, Celtic FC, Aberdeen, Kinnevik, BBC, Lazard and Glasgow University.

Luke headed up Sir Elton John and David Furnish’s Global Private Office and the Rocket Entertainment Group including Rocket Music, Rocket Pictures, Rocket Sports, Rocket Stage and their Charitable Trust. Rupert Tate was CEO Bear Grylls Ventures for 9 years which spanned production, animation, fitness, education, festivals, theme parks, and multiple investments.

Nick Wheeler is the founder of men’s clothing brand Charles Tyrwhitt and is married to Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company. From growing up with a hard-working father and starting his first business from a tiny inheritance to creating a global leader, Nick shares his advice for founders and investors, plus thoughts on legacy, giving back and keeping your kids feet on the ground.