The Branded Gentry: How a New Era of Entrepreneurs Made Their Names

by Charles Vallance, David Hopper

Every era has its wealth, authority and power are seldom static for long. Once, whiskered industrialists challenged the landed gentry for social ascendancy. Then, in the twentieth century, came a new era of entrepreneurs, who made their names by making their names into brands. This is a book about thirteen such individuals; from Johnnie Boden to Julian Richer; from Lord Sainsbury to Paul Smith; from Emma Bridgewater and John Hegarty to Robert Hiscox and others. Remarkable men and women, from a sweeping range of pioneers of modern enterprise. The authors take us on a colourful, illuminating journey, described through thirteen compelling portraits, covering grand philosophies and shrewd strategies, the lessons of success (and failure) and the dramas and difficulties on the way. The book will appeal to general readers interested in finding out more about the people behind the brands, as well as those of an entrepreneurial spirit who want to know how others got to the top. And what is involved when you have your name above the door.

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[MR T · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a concept this book is fairly unique, very specific and very British. The subjects of each chapter are fairly varied, but what connects them all together is Vallance's excellent prose. Each chapter feels like a transcription of an interview, with the odd bit of history/context thrown in by Vallance — this makes the sections digestible, especially in cases where the reader is unfamiliar with the subject.

Whether or not I actually learnt anything though, is another matter. There is no doubt that some of the stories are inspiring, but there is also an underlying sense of privilege sown throughout. Not all the subjects come from money, but there are enough who do that can make reading about them feel quite detached.

I wonder if it would've worked better as a series of podcasts.

[Dirk Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got to the end of this and think I'm in the minority who didn't really like it. Wasn't expecting a road map to business success but expected the interviews to yield more than they did, in fact lots of the interviews yielded nothing

Got a few nuggets of info from Dyson, Hiscox, Richer and Smith which is a poor return from 13 chapters.

I'd either just read them or avoid the book altogether.

[Russell Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have got five stars if it wasn't for the ridiculous overuse of the word 'eponymous'. Otherwise it's an at times witty look at some of Britain's greatest entrepreneurs, largely in their own words.

[Emilyjmk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprised of interviews with British entrepreneurs who built businesses around their names. Interesting and diverse selection of people. A good read, but more interesting from the perspective of stories than a road-map to entrepreneurial success.