Liverpool entrepreneurs have transformed their businesses from bedroom side hustles into national successes, with several earning spots on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Whether born and bred in Liverpool or building their empires in the city, their hard work has generated millions of pounds. Each year, these businesses reach new heights, from breaking into the American market to opening first physical stores or celebrating anniversaries competitors never achieve.
Say It With: From Kitchen Table to £40m Turnover
Charlotte Donoghue, from Aintree, and Stephanie Porter, from Lydiate, are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their jewellery brand Say It With, which has turned over £40 million in a decade. The business grew from five necklaces sold on Instagram to a celebrity-loved brand. The two mums, who have known each other through family connections, "just clicked" as they got older, had children, and bonded over cups of tea.
Stephanie had some necklaces and asked Charlotte if she could help sell them. Within an hour, Charlotte had sold them all and asked for more. From there, Say It With — previously Say It With Diamonds — was born. Charlotte told the ECHO: "At first we were just doing it for a little bit of pocket money, and we didn't ever in our wildest dreams think we would be at the turnover that we're at now. We're just so grateful and thankful every day."
She added: "It's unbelievable. The fact that we're still sat here laughing. It's never been like a day's work in the whole 10 years. You know, we're so lucky to be best of friends. We've literally—and I kid you not—not had one cross word in 10 years, over anything. I couldn't wish for a better business partner and soul sister in my life."
Castore: Wirral Brothers Build £350m Sportswear Empire
Wirral brothers Tom and Phil Beahon have an estimated wealth of £350 million thanks to their sportswear brand Castore. Their journey began in 2015 when they were 25 and 22 respectively. Tom was a youth professional footballer at Tranmere Rovers between ages 17 and 21, while Phil played semi-professional cricket for local clubs. They founded Castore from their parents' home, initially funding the business through savings, family support, and small investments, aiming to create a premium British sportswear brand to compete with global giants like Nike and Adidas.
A major breakthrough came in 2019 when tennis star Andy Murray became both an ambassador and investor. Castore then expanded rapidly into elite sports sponsorships, signing deals with Everton FC, Newcastle United FC, Rangers FC, McLaren Formula 1 Team, Oracle Red Bull Racing, and the England cricket and rugby teams. By the mid-2020s, Castore had become one of Britain's fastest-growing sportswear companies, reaching valuations close to £1 billion and expanding internationally.
Protein Works: From Bedroom to £50m Revenue and Acquisition
Another Liverpool business that went from a bedroom operation to generating more than £50 million in revenue in 2024 was recently sold. Protein Works, which sells protein shakes, wellness supplements and high-protein snacks, was acquired by Lactalis, one of the world's largest dairy companies. Founded by Mark Coxhead, Protein Works opened a £10 million state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Speke in May 2024, having been founded on bootstraps back in 2012. The company has sold more than 450 million shakes worldwide and continues with in excess of 2.5 million customers globally, a far cry from the single industrial unit in Runcorn that marked the brand's early days.
ARNE: Warrington Brothers Open First Store in Liverpool ONE
Ryan and Reece Broadhurst, from Warrington, are the brains behind ARNE, a company loved by Scousers so much that its first physical store is in Peter's Lane in Liverpool ONE. Founded in 2018, the brand has established a loyal customer base with footballers including Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole and Steve Gerrard giving it their stamp of approval. The brothers began shipping orders from their mum's bungalow before expanding to a small shop, delivering stylish menswear including loungewear and casual street fashions. ARNE prides itself on offering "high-quality, simple and minimalistic pieces for every occasion."
The Liverpool city centre store had been in the pipeline for a few years as the brothers waited for the "perfect location and perfect store." Management said they wanted the first shop to be somewhere it could thrive long-term. The brothers said Liverpool was always going to be "the first." It officially opened to the public in September 2025.
Montirex: Forbes 30 Under 30 and £130m Revenue
Daniel Yuen and Kieran Riddell-Austin are responsible for arguably the biggest fashion brand to originate from Liverpool. The pair are the masterminds behind Montirex, a technical outdoor and sportswear brand founded in 2019. Their colourful static t-shirts have become wardrobe staples for many in Liverpool. In the last few years, Montirex has grown from around £15 million in revenue to an impressive £130 million in 2025. Daniel and Kieran's success reached an extraordinary new level as they were both named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Europe Retail & Ecommerce category. Now, they join another prestigious list: The Times' Young Power List 2026, which spotlights 30 exceptional young people under 30.
Home Bargains: Liverpool's Richest Man Tom Morris
Going from millions to billions is Liverpool's richest man, Tom Morris. The 72-year-old entrepreneur is behind the national success Home Bargains. The discount chain began with one store in Old Swan in 1976, established by a then-21-year-old Tom, son of a Scotland Road shopkeeper. The first store started with takings of less than £100 per week, but the brand, renamed Home Bargains in 1995, has grown into a retail empire with more than 500 shops across the UK.
As his Gillmoss-based company has grown, Mr Morris has become the richest Liverpudlian to have ever lived, a title he has held for numerous years. The ECHO previously reported that the Morris family, led by founder Tom, paid £209.1 million in tax last year, placing them seventh in The Sunday Times Tax List 2026.
