Five North West entrepreneurs to watch this year

One of the best things about working as Bdaily’s North West editor is getting to hear from some of the region’s most inspiring entrepreneurs.

Many of the names who grace our digital pages – whether they’re rising stars in the startup sphere or old-hands well used to the business game – make being a successful entrepreneur seem easy; but in reality, their successes come down to their determination to have an impact on the local economy and, ultimately, carve a name for themselves in the North West’s booming business community.

Here are, in no particular order, the names of five North West entrepreneurs whose stories I’ve found particularly inspiring in recent months. You seriously need to watch this lot in the year ahead.

Karina Jadhav, Menagerie

Karina set the region’s foodies abuzz last month after revealing her plans to launch Menagerie, a new £1.5m restaurant and bar in central Manchester.

Having already established several great restaurants in the area, including Hale-based Victor’s and Spinningfields eatery Neighbourhood, Karina is well placed to make a real success story of her latest venture.

When Menagerie opens, the 200-seater restaurant will create around 50 jobs.

Robel Iyassu, Boun Beans

I’m no big coffee drinker (it’s a hearty builder’s tea for me) but I was genuinely astounded by the level of passion for both coffee and business that Robel Iyassu oozed in our short phone conversation.

Robel has taken his love of coffee and his East African roots and channeled it all into Boun Beans, an online business that hand-roasts, grinds and delivers coffee to order.

Boun Beans is a unique venture and, with Robel’s commitment to turning the company into a nationally recognised brand, I’ve no doubt that it’s one to watch this year.

Helen Gardner, My Next Place

Helen Gardner, a property specialist who began her career at Nottingham-based lettings company Katie Homes, has started up her own real estate business with a digital focus.

Her venture, My Next Place, will target a market gap for an estate agents that combines emerging technologies with a “friendly [and] insightful” high street presence.

I love hearing about startups taking a more digital/tech approach to otherwise traditional business models. An intriguing idea and definitely one to keep an eye on.

Danny Donachie, Embodyism

Our story about the launch of Embodyism dominated the Bdaily Top 10 list when it went live last month, and it’s not surprising.

A new business from the mind of Danny Donachie, Everton FC’s former head of medicine, Embodyism combines the skills Danny learned during his time with the Toffees and applies them to the world of business.

Danny also revealed how ex-EFC manager David Moyes had a huge impact on his way of thinking. He said: “In the end the club, under [Moyes], was like a family, because you are there so much and so heavily involved.”

Lucy Estherby, Acorn & Pip

The last entry on our list is the brains behind Acorn & Pip, an online retail business selling children’s toys, clothing and homeware.

Lucy Estherby, who said she was inspired to set up in business by her own experiences as a mother, launched the Acorn & Pip website in April and hasn’t looked back.

With its distinct brand identity and style, paired with its range of products from popular brands such as Buddy and Bear and Noé & Zoë, Acorn & Pip could go on to become a major player in its field.