Laura Tenison MBE

As the Founder and MD/CEO of JoJo Maman Bébé, Laura has grown the company organically from its start-up in 1993 to become the UK’s leading mother and baby boutique multi-channel brand.

Offering fashionable maternity wear, a Breton inspired children’s collection and original nursery products, gifts and toys; JoJo offers everything you need from pregnancy to pre-school. With start-up capital of just £50K and only two part time members of staff, the company is now forecast to trade at £60M gross in the current financial year and employs over 750 people.

Laura Tenison is a trustee of the company charity, Nema, based in Mozambique. The tie-in was initiated to ensure that company donations made a real difference to the lives of less fortunate children and to reduce infant mortality in this extremely poor area of Africa. A keen cyclist with a passion about sensible environmental practices. She is adamant that it is possible to do well whilst doing good, and eschews waste in any form.

She has launched a nationwide clothing recycling initiative called From a Mother to Another which encourages parents to gift outgrown clothing to those in need. Thousands of gift packs are distributed to families in need in the UK and Ireland each year through local charities.

Her public speaking subject matter is varied and covers environmental and ethical business practices, juggling a career and family, building a business without capital and the circular economy. Her style is candid and informative whilst being entertaining. She is also happy to appear on TV and radio programmes and has taken part in the BBC’s Peter Jones Meets, Beat the Boss, The Apprentice; You’re Fired, Channel 4 News, BBC Breakfast TV and BBC2’s Working Lunch, BBC Radio 4 and 5, Sky News and Bloomberg TV to name a few.