Rudo Kwaramba

Rudo is the National Director of World Vision Uganda. Born in Zimbabwe, she moved to the United Kingdom in 2004 to work for World Vision UK. A human rights lawyer, Rudo has also worked for the United Nations and campaigned for women’s rights.

Dominic McVey

Dominic made his first million when he was 14, importing scooters. Today, at 22, he’s one of the world’s leading private-label cosmetics manufacturers. Dominic plans to make a difference in politics one day.

Seb Bishop

Seb founded Espotting, a pioneering internet advertising company which he sold in 2004 in a deal valued at US$186 million. He began a career in advertising at the age of 14 and is now president of MIVA, one of the largest online advertising networks in the world.

Watch video: Seb Bishop reflects on his experiences in Uganda

Shahid Azeem

At age 10, Shahid moved to the UK from Pakistan and within a year he began a money-lending operation with his classmates. In the mid-80s he recognised a change in the PC market and set up his own business which quickly grew to the value of $25 million in annual turnover.

Deirdre Bounds

Deirdre launched a travel volunteer company 12 years ago after teaching English overseas. The company now places 5,000 people in projects across the world each year, with a turnover of almost $15 million.

Watch video: Dierdre Bounds discusses the challenges of the mission

Tony Callaghan

Tony is the founder and owner of an empire of 25 pubs worth more than $30 million. He bought his first nightclub at the age of 20, before setting up a small pub chain with an investor.

Steve Morgan

Steve is founder of one of the UK’s most successful house builders, Redrow, and is owner of a prestigious four star hotel and golf resort. He supports local charities in Liverpool, Cheshire and North Wales and has an OBE for his services to the construction industry.

Yvonne Thompson

Yvonne is managing director of a PR company and has a wealth of over $8 million. She also is a co-founder of radio station Choice FM which was recently sold for $60 million. Yvonne is President of the European Federation of Black Women Business Owners; she chairs various business committees, and is also an advisor to the Mayor of London.

Pepita Diamond

Pepita was a fashion writer and stylist before she co-founded a wedding list service which now has a $15 million turnover. Born in Toronto, she studied her masters in Scotland before starting a career in the fledgling internet media industry in the UK.