Emma Harrison

East Midlands

When Emma Harrison's father left her to run his small training business in 1987, he hEmma Harrisonad no idea he was launching one of the UK's most admired women entrepreneurs. Emma was just 23 at the time and had only just graduated from university.  Emma worked hard for success and by the end of her first year company turnover hit £1 million.

In 1991 Emma really got into her stride deciding that from that year on all her activities would have one aim – ‘improving peoples lives’ – so she founded A4e to deliver social change on behalf of governments internationally. Now A4e is a truly Social Purpose Company delivering frontline public services in the UK, Germany, France, Poland, Israel and shortly Australia. A4e employs 3000 staff. Emma anticipates that A4e will more than double in size over the next few years.

Most recently, Emma founded and funds the Foundation for Social Improvement: a global charity working with the voluntary and charitable sector, giving them access to the best training on fundraising.

There are many other strings to Emma's bow. She is a renowned mentor and supports many small businesses and is known for her TV work starring in "Make me a Million", “Secret Millionaire” and as a judge on ITV’s “Mumpreneur”.