A YOUNG multi-millionaire who flexed his entrepreneurial muscles to start the global Gymshark brand as a teenager has been named in the New Year Honours.
Ben Francis, founder and CEO of Gymshark has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to business.
The self-made gymware entrepreneur, aged 30, who is worth £900 million - was ranked 191st in the Sunday Times Rich List for 2022.
But many people might not be aware that he lives in the Cotswolds in Chipping Campden.
He co-founded his successful fitness clothing brand with friend Lewis Morgan in 2012 as two 19-year-old students from his parent’s garage in Bromsgrove.
They manufactured garments on a made-to-sell basis, using a sewing machine and a screen-printer.
Gymshark then moved to Moons Moat Industrial Estate in Redditch before relocating to Blythe Valley Business Park in Solihull which is home to more than 500 employees.
The company creates, distributes and sells its own range of fitness wear for men and women - including workout vests, hoodies, t-shirts and leggings.
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