Ben Francis: UK’s youngest billionaire
2/2/202646 min
How Ben Francis went from pizza delivery boy to the UK’s youngest billionaire, by founding sportswear brand Gymshark. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng explore Ben Francis' remarkable rise: from sewing gym vests in his parents’ garage, to innovating in influencer culture. In Gymshark, Ben Francis created one of the fastest growing fitness brands in the world, with the ambition to take on athleisurewear giants like Nike and Adidas. Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires? Here's how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSimon Jack· Host0:00
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Speaker 20:45
There I was, scrolling my phone, then someone cracked open a Mountain Dew Baja Cabo Citrus. Next thing I know, I heard a rip. My friend tried the splits in jeans, but not a drop was spilled. Have a blast with Mountain Dew Baja Cabo Citrus, a punch of tropical citrus flavor.
Zing Tsjeng· Host1:00
[upbeat jingle] It's twenty thirteen, and you're hungry, so you order a pizza to be delivered.
Simon Jack· Host1:15
A twenty-one-year-old lad rings your doorbell. He's got your pepperoni feast.
Zing Tsjeng· Host1:19
He's got a sharp fade haircut, and under his tracksuit, you can see he's been lifting some serious weights at the gym.
Simon Jack· Host1:25
He's furiously typing on his phone as he hands you the box, and you think nothing of him as you