Two years ago, Nicola invited Ben Francis, founder and CEO of the fastest growing West Midlands business in history, Gymshark, to speak to students in West Bromwich about his career journey. Dozens of students from several schools in West Bromwich East attended to listen to Ben's story, from growing up in Bromsgrove and designing clothes in his parents garage to running a $1 billion company.
Ben welcomed Nicola to Gymshark's West Midlands based headquarters to discuss his business and what we need to do to continue to support flourishing businesses in the region. Nicola also toured their headquarters to meet staff, and view the state-of-the-art on-site gym that employees and their close friends can use.
Gymshark has been stand-out example of the entrepreneurialism on shop in the West Midlands, and Ben wants to be an example to others. He is also ambitious about making Gymshark world renowned for being from the West Midlands, and becoming as synonymous with the region as other staple businesses such as Cadbury and Jaguar Land Rover.