Gateshead entrepreneur earns national recognition

A Gateshead entrepreneur has been named among the UK’s 50 most ambitious business leaders after helping grow a packaging manufacturer into a near-£30 million turnover operation.

Jonny Catto, managing director of iPac Packaging Innovations, has been included in The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2026.

The programme, created by private equity investor LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group, in partnership with The Times, celebrates entrepreneurs driving growth across the UK.

This year’s list was selected following more than 620 nominations from businesses spanning a range of regions and sectors.

Together, the companies led by the 50 entrepreneurs generate £1.4 billion in annual revenues and employ almost 8500 people across 55 towns and cities.

Gateshead-based iPac manufactures recycled plastic packaging for the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Established in 2017 with an ambition to become the UK’s leading independent thermoformer, the company now produces more than half a billion recycled plastic trays annually.

It employs more than 100 people and has grown turnover to approaching £30 million.

The recognition follows a period of growing prominence for Jonny and iPac, with N Magazine recently profiling the company’s expansion plans, while Jonny has also been shortlisted for Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2026 North East Entrepreneurial Awards.

He said: “It’s an honour to have been named among The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders. 

“Having recently achieved our ambition of becoming the UK’s leading independent thermoformer, we are excited to be continuing our journey as we launch new products and grow our offering through new and existing customer partnerships. 

“A big thank you to LDC for this recognition, and to our fantastic colleagues, customers and suppliers who help us to turn our ideas into reality.” 

The Top 50 programme, launched in 2018, recognises business leaders demonstrating ambition through areas including international expansion, new product and service development, investment in their workforce and disruption of established markets.

Organisers say this year’s cohort highlights the role of medium-sized businesses in supporting employment, communities and economic growth across the UK.

John Garner, managing partner at LDC, added: “What stands out about this year’s LDC Top 50 is not only what these leaders have already achieved, but their determination to keep moving forward. 

“Across the UK, they are finding new opportunities, investing in their people and building for the future. 

“I congratulate every leader featured this year and wish them continued success.” 

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