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Gymshark founder Ben Francis named EY Entrepreneur of the Year

The man behind West Midlands business success story will now represent the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ at the EY global awards

Gymshark co-founder Ben Francis has been named º£½ÇÊÓÆµ Entrepreneur of the Year by EY

The co-founder of online fitness brand Gymshark has been named the º£½ÇÊÓÆµ's entrepreneur of the year.

Ben Francis, who launched the company with school friend Lewis Morgan in 2012, took home the top accolade at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2020 last night.

The 28 year old will now represent the United Kingdom at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year Awards next year.

Judges praised the impressive trajectory of Solihull-based Gymshark which has grown from a small start-up to what is now a well-recognised, global brand.

The company, which sells sports clothing and accessories, was founded in Mr Francis' parents' garage and relocated to Solihull in 2018 after outgrowing its previous headquarters in Redditch.

In August, it took on its first external investment after agreeing a deal with US private equity firm General Atlantic for a 21 per cent stake which valued the company at around £1 billion.

Gymshark has grown its presence on the back of strong social media marketing, employing brand ambassadors and influencers with hefty online followings.