South Bromsgrove High, a state school in Worcestershire, is recognizing the achievement of former student Liam Molesworth, who is leading a company featured prominently in the Sunday Times 100 rankings.

Liam Molesworth, at just 31 years old, co-founded the Clive Henry Group, a technology and recruitment business focused on healthcare. His company has joined three others on the prestigious list, collectively amassing nearly £1 billion in personal wealth and providing employment for over 1,000 individuals, many of whom are alumni from the high school and other local institutions in the West Midlands.

The other notable companies making waves are Gymshark, an activewear brand established by entrepreneurs Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan, both aged 32; AYBL, co-founded by brothers Reiss, 31, and Kristian Edgerton, 30; and Manière De Voir, a fashion brand launched by former Manchester City player Reece Wabara, 32, who has appeared on the list in both 2022 and 2023.

James Siddle, deputy head of South Bromsgrove High, fondly recalls a 2019 visit to Gymshark’s headquarters near Solihull with a textiles class, noting the number of former students employed there. “It felt like a sixth form common room a few years later,” he remarked, highlighting the presence of alumni including Joe Francis and Mitch Healey, who has taken on the role of global retail and events director.

Gymshark was founded in 2012 by Francis and Morgan, who began their venture from home while balancing part-time jobs and university studies before opting to focus full-time on their business. The company achieved a valuation of £1 billion in August 2020 after a notable investment from General Atlantic, allowing Morgan to sell his stake worth £100 million while Francis increased his ownership to 70%.

While Gymshark’s sales have soared to £556 million, its profitability has taken a hit in recent months, affecting its valuation according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List. The other featured companies are also navigating the competitive landscape, fostering communication and support despite challenges.

Molesworth and co-founder Sam Alsop-Hall, 34, launched the Clive Henry Group in 2019, following Molesworth’s career as a professional footballer in Australia and Sweden. The company specializes in providing agency staff and consultancy services to the NHS, earning the No. 2 spot this year with a remarkable 265% growth in sales, reaching £20 million over three years. However, the last year has presented a tougher trading environment, resulting in stagnating revenues.

Paul Topping, the school’s headmaster from 2010 to 2017, remembers Molesworth for his outspoken nature during sixth form. Topping valued encouraging student expression and noted Molesworth’s strong personality, which later led to his success. Siddle also recalls a memorable performance by Molesworth during the school’s Pop Icons competition.

Molesworth humorously remembers a suspension incident in sixth form when he was punished for exposing himself during a casual football game outside of class time, amusingly recalling the surprised reactions of classmates.

Alsop-Hall, who completed his A-levels at an independent school, is curious about why a group of successful entrepreneurs emerged from their time at South Bromsgrove High. “I have no idea what they were feeding them,” he said.

The bond formed among these friends during school played a crucial role in their entrepreneurial achievements. Each member’s journey varied, with Wabara recalling his experience of leaving school with a contract with Manchester City, which fueled his friends’ ambitions.

Francis and Morgan’s passion for weightlifting led them to a partnership that evolved from selling supplements to launching Gymshark, initially as a side project while managing studies. Their venture took off after they shifted focus to printed apparel.

Friendships endured post-school, with Morgan encouraging Wabara towards fashion, and while Gymshark was still at an early revenue stage, Wabara’s brand Manière De Voir emerged as a creative endeavor alongside the burgeoning business.

The entrepreneurial spirit fostered amongst this group was underpinned by mutual support rather than envy. Morgan, reflecting on the group’s camaraderie, emphasized that success breeds further success, fostering a culture of hard work and ambition.

Edgerton and Molesworth also cherish their time at South Bromsgrove High, recalling the fun experiences they had while cultivating lifelong friendships. They credited their competitive experiences during sports as instrumental in shaping their drive for success.

Physical education, as emphasized by their former PE teacher Dave Bayliss, provided resilience and opportunities for teamwork—attributes that undoubtedly contributed to their later success in business.

South Bromsgrove High continues to produce remarkable talents, including singer Katherine Priddy, who performed at Glastonbury, Poppy O’Toole, a celebrated Michelin-trained chef and author, and Jess Varnish, an Olympic cyclist from the London 2012 Games.

Investing in Education for Future Entrepreneurs

As the largest Duke of Edinburgh awarding center in the country, South Bromsgrove High hosts nearly 500 students each year participating in various awards. Recently, a group collected gold awards at Buckingham Palace, underscoring the school’s commitment to fostering achievement.

Headteacher Chris Smith, who has served since 2017, has focused on enhancing employability through initiatives such as a full-time careers adviser and partnerships with local businesses for student work experiences and job interviews.

Community engagement is paramount, with initiatives like the Engineering Cadet Scheme, linking students with local businesses for practical problem-solving and project creation.

Looking ahead, Smith advocates for ongoing investment in education to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs. “Whatever the next government is, it should continue to invest in schools because we are adept at cultivating entrepreneurial talent,” he stated.