Owner Managed Businesses
June 2025
The FEBE Growth 100 2025 list is out, and it’s every bit as inspiring as we hoped. Packed with the UK’s fastest-growing, founder-led businesses, this year’s line-up is a celebration of bold ambition, fresh thinking and real entrepreneurial grit.
At Lawrence Stephens, we couldn’t be prouder to be part of the FEBE story. As a founder-led law firm ourselves, we know exactly what it takes to build something from the ground up. It’s messy, energising, terrifying and brilliant all at once. That’s why the Growth 100 resonates with us, it’s a badge of honour for those who’ve pushed boundaries and made things happen.
What Is FEBE and Why It’s Transforming the UK Founder Community?
If you haven’t come across FEBE yet (For Entrepreneurs, By Entrepreneurs) it’s the brainchild of John Maffioli, Ex-EY and the most enthusiastic man you’ll ever meet; and his wife and co-founder Charlotte Quince. FEBE exists to celebrate and support founders, not just in business, but in all the behind-the-scenes moments that come with growing something meaningful.
John often describes a FEBE event like being ‘A night out with your mates’. FEBE is built on community, honesty and camaraderie. It’s about learning from the highs and the not-so-pretty lows.
Lawrence Stephens x FEBE: A Shared Vision for Supporting UK Founders
So why does our relationship with FEBE work so well? Because we get it. We’re also founder-led. We’ve lived the long days, the hard choices, the growing pains. And just like the businesses in the Growth 100, we’ve worked hard to scale up without losing our identity. In fact, if we weren’t a partner, rumour has it, we might have made the list!
Many of our clients are privately owned, founder-led businesses too, so we have a natural empathy for the pressures and possibilities that come with that territory. Whether it’s legal support on a new funding round, navigating a tricky people issue, or just being a sounding board, we back founders with the same drive and energy we see in ourselves.
Like FEBE’s ethos we pride ourselves on celebrating progress, embracing imperfection and connecting founders.
Turning the Spotlight on John Maffioli
Usually the one asking the questions, we recently flipped the script on FEBE founder John Maffioli who let us ask him a few.
Alanah: What inspired you to start FEBE?
John: We wanted to create the UK’s best founders club – a place where Britain’s top founders could come together, support one another, and build genuine friendships. Being a founder can be incredibly hard and lonely. FEBE was born out of shared experience. We knew there were so many brilliant founders across the country doing amazing things, but often in isolation. So we set out to build something that not only celebrates them but also helps them by creating a community where they can connect, share, and grow together. It’s not just about business, it’s about building real relationships with people who get it. That’s what inspired us, and that’s what keeps driving us: creating a space that’s meaningful, supportive, and rooted in the realness of entrepreneurship.
Alanah: What’s the hardest part of being an entrepreneur?
John: It is impossible to switch off. When you’re growing a business it is everything and all consuming.
Even if you’re supposed to be spending time with family, or trying to sleep, there’s a constant mental to-do list ticking away, and it’s impossible to create real separation between work and life. It’s not just about long hours; it’s the emotional investment. As a founder you carry the weight of every decision, every setback, and every missed opportunity. Even when things are going well, there’s always the next challenge to think about. The pressure to keep everything moving means you rarely give yourself permission to properly rest. And when your identity is so tied to the business, switching off can feel almost irresponsible – even though you know it’s exactly what’s needed sometimes!
Alanah: What’s your favourite part of being an entrepreneur?
John: The highs are unlike anything else. The good news and the successes are incredible and mean so much because it’s so personal. When something goes well it hits differently because you know exactly what went into getting there. The late nights, the risks, the doubts – all of that makes the successes feel so much more meaningful. There’s no safety net, so when it works, it’s not just business success, it’s personal. Those moments of progress or recognition feel huge. They remind you why you started in the first place.
Thanks John! Spoken like a true entrepreneur and a reminder of why FEBE matters so much.
What’s next for UK founder-led businesses?
Founder-led businesses are doing more than just scaling, they’re redefining what success looks like in the UK economy. The calibre of companies featured in the FEBE Growth 100 2025 list speaks volumes: these are businesses that are disrupting sectors and building brands with purpose and agility. From tech innovators and e-commerce disruptors to creative powerhouses and wellness challengers, these founders are not only growing fast, they’re leading with vision, values, and a deep connection to their customers and teams. It’s this blend of emotional commitment and commercial clarity that’s fuelling a new wave of economic dynamism across the UK.
At Lawrence Stephens, we’re proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with FEBE and the incredible community it champions. As a founder-led law firm, we understand the grit and graft it takes to build something from the ground up – and we see that same spirit reflected in our clients every day. Our partnership with FEBE is about more than just sponsorship; it’s a shared ethos. Together, we’re backing founders with the support, insight and authenticity they need to thrive and we’re excited to play a part in shaping a future economy powered by people who genuinely get it.
If you’d like to find out how else we are supporting founders please get in touch with Alanah Lenten.