Under Laura’s leadership JoJo Maman Bebe, which she sold to NEXT plc, was a trail-blazer in better business practices; leading the way for inclusivity and diversity in modelling, using recycled materials, employee profit share schemes, employing those serving prison sentences, offering job opportunities to past asylum seekers, managing a charity based in Africa, counting numerous Down’s Syndrome employees among the team, up-cycling shop-fit and even being a dog friendly work place. This ethos of putting people and the planet above profit resulted in JoJo achieving Certified B Corporation status.
Laura grew JoJo organically from start-up in 1993 with £50,000 of investment and 2 members of staff, to become the UK and Ireland’s leading independent omni channel brand in the sector. Pre Covid-19, JoJo also benefitted from a fully owned US subsidiary, with stores, e-commerce, trade sales and a DC. Today the business trades across the world via ecommerce, retail or trade accounts across more than 50 countries.
Laura has worked as a Charity Trustee and lectured in schools and universities. She enjoys giving inspirational and information speeches to women’s groups, business conferences and at networking events. She has lectured in Europe and Nigeria, the home country of her in-law family. Her subject matter is varied and covers innovative thinking, environmental and ethical business practices, and entrepreneurial thinking. He energy and enthusiasm for her subject is infectious, leaving her audiences re-energised to face their next challenge.
Her style is candid and informative whilst being entertaining. She has also appeared 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.