The Entrepreneurs

John Hitchcox co-founded property-development company Yoo in 1999, along with maverick designer Philippe Starck; since then design-minded hotels and residences have sprung up in more than 30 countries worldwide. Hitchcox tells us about founding the firm, his close relationship with Starck and the approach that has fuelled Yoo’s success.

Philip Knatchbull has always been surrounded by film: his father was one of the UK’s pre-eminent producers, behind such features as “Murder on the Orient Express” and “A Passage to India”. Today Philip is CEO of Curzon, the brand behind 21 cinemas across the UK and leading film-distribution business Curzon Artificial Eye; it also has its own digital platform. Here he tells us how he has created a powerhouse in the world of independent cinema.

George Bevis is founder and CEO of Tide, an innovative start-up on a mission to revolutionise banking for small businesses. This week he shares his journey.

Alan Moore thinks that the business world needs a dose of beauty; not physical attractiveness but strong purpose and positive cultures, with products that are good to people and the planet. Here he urges entrepreneurs to rethink not just what they make but how and why.

London-based entrepreneur Taha Fezzani left a two-decade career in the oil industry to launch Zest and Zing, his brand of premium spices inspired by his childhood family holidays in Libya and travels around the world. Fezzani shares how he launched the brand and what he’s learned.

Sheherazade Goldsmith and Laura Bailey are the founders of Loquet, a London-based luxury jewellery label. Since launching the brand in 2013, the pair have attracted an army of loyal fans and are now stocked in more than 60 retailers around the world, from Browns to Colette. This week they explain how they did it.

Jonny Boud and Alex Potter run the hospitality group GoodLife Projects. Together they’re the creative minds behind some of London’s most popular hotspots – from the day-party concept Love Brunch and the Caribbean-inspired eatery The Rum Kitchen to the acclaimed new restaurant Foley’s. They share their story and inspiration.

Before launching his influential British menswear label Universal Works, David Keyte’s career stretched from signwriter apprentice and coal miner to working with fashion designer Paul Smith. This week he shares his influences, top business tips and lessons learned.

Huckletree co-founder Andrew Lynch shares the story of his fast-growing co-working start-up.

Mark Cho is co-founder of The Armoury, a groundbreaking temple to classic menswear in Hong Kong, and co-owner of Drake’s, a highly respected UK company known for its beautiful neckties. Both brands have flourished under his watchful eye – so what lessons has he learned?