The Entrepreneurs

Jack Bensimon is the founder and president of Canada’s largest independent advertising agency, Bensimon Byrne. Founded in 1993 by Bensimon and longtime friend Peter Byrne, the agency has been responsible for some of the most memorable ads in Canadian history. The Toronto-based agency is one of few in the world to ever buy itself back from a multinational holding company. Here Bensimon tells us the story of the company, the ideas behind some of its major campaigns and why independence is so important to them.

Alastair Rae and James Shaw founded independent menswear label Albam in 2006. The brand, which focuses on utilitarian and versatile design combined with a high-quality craftsmanship, quickly found its niche between the high street and high fashion. In this episode, Alastair Rae reflects on the brand 11 years on.

Kirsty Whyte and Paul Tanner had more than 25 years of experience in the design world, working in Habitat and Made.com, before deciding to start their own business. In 2015 they launched the minimalist vintage inspired watch brand, Freedom To Exist as a side project to their day-jobs. This week they tell us how they manage their time between both jobs, what they have learned along the way and the secrets to working with your partner.

A former officer in the Danish army reserve, Hedvig Alexander founded Far and Wide Collective in 2013 with the goal of opening North American markets to artisans in developing countries.

Gavin Eddy was working as a trader in the City before he decided to quit and buy some land in the countryside. He stumbled on the town of Frome and, captivated by the town’s vibrancy and identity, decided to invest in it. Today, he runs a destination street market once a month, The Frome Independent, showcasing some of the best craftspeople, designers, makers, producers and traders in the South West. We hear how Gavin’s project gave a new lease of life to the town.

Australian-born Adam Iezzi founded AIPR in 2005. Today the company counts fashion brands such as JW Anderson and APC among its clients. Iezzi tells us how availability, communication and slow and steady growth have helped shape his company.

Joni Steiner is the co-founder of Opendesk, a global online platform that facilitates the local production of furniture by connecting consumers to a library of designs and a host of nearby craftsmen. Originally trained as architects, the team behind the company developed their concept with the help of crowdfunding and an incubator programme. We find out more about this furniture-making movement, the democratisation of production and distribution and what the future holds for the Opendesk.

Andrew Dale, a 30-year-old former banker from Toronto, founded his high-end leather-bag brand, LeDaveed, in 2016. He shares the story of how he left big finance in favour of independent fashion.

For this special edition we head to Lisbon for this year’s Web Summit. The Portuguese capital hosted entrepreneurs, CEOs, investors and political leaders as part of the event’s largest edition yet. We hear from three very different mobility innovators: Lewis Horne, CEO of Uniti; Alexander Zosel, founder of Volocopter; and James Meeks, CEO of Move Systems.

South African-born Bernie de Le Cuona founded her eponymous fabric brand in London in 1992. This week she tells us how an inspirational trip to India led to the beginnings of her business.