The Top 50 was created by LDC, the private equity investor that is part of Lloyds Banking Group, in partnership with The Times. Now in its eighth year, the programme continues to celebrate the drive and ambition of Britain’s best and brightest entrepreneurs.
This year the programme received almost 700 nominations, showcasing the exceptional individuals that are building successful, growing medium-sized businesses right across the UK.
The business leaders featured in The LDC Top 50 for 2025 are making a powerful impact by creating jobs, making a difference in the communities they serve, championing sustainability and expanding internationally. They are also demonstrating resilience as they drive growth and develop new ideas to innovate and diversify.
They operate from 67 towns and cities across the UK and span every sector of the economy, whilst collectively they employ almost 10,000 people and generate combined revenues of £1.2bn.
EPM is a leading provider of HR, payroll, and education support services to more than 2,500 schools and trusts. Founded in 1993, the business has grown from its Cambridgeshire roots to a national footprint, employing over 200 education specialists. EPM is focused on delivering exceptional service, underpinned with integrated technology, to the education sector - supported by a passionate team, a strong leadership culture, and a deep understanding of what schools need most.
Jen Elliott, CEO of EPM Ltd said: “It’s a real honour to be recognised among The Times UK’s Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders. I’ve been part of EPM for 28 years and feel incredibly lucky to have grown alongside the business through so many chapters - organic growth, acquisitions, the challenges of recent years, and most recently, our second MBO. What’s kept me here is a deep belief in our purpose: supporting education leaders with expert advice, and a genuine commitment to partnership. The launch of our new technology platform and our National Education Leaders Network, nEdEx, marks a new and exciting chapter - but none of it would be possible without the incredible people around me. This recognition is a reflection of the entire team’s hard work and dedication.”
John Garner, Managing Partner at LDC, added: “In the eight years since we launched The LDC Top 50 we’ve had the honour of meeting some exceptional business leaders. This year’s cohort has shown drive and ambition in their growth journeys, proven remarkable resilience, and together they are making a real difference to their employees, the communities they work in and society at large. I’d like to congratulate them on everything they’ve achieved so far. Their success stories are only just beginning, and we’re excited to see where their journey takes them next.”