17-year-old boy is Kent’s brightest young entrepreneur

A 17-year-old serial entrepreneur came out as leader of the pack in a list of Kent’s “brightest young business minds”, being recognised as a person-to-watch for the future.

Ben Towers, the boss of his own web design company employing more than 15 people, topped all other candidates in the Top 30 Under 30 list published by the KM Group.

The guide has been put together by an independent panel of Kent-based judges selected from a cross-section of industries and young people’s organisations.

Each entrant was judged based on their achievements to date, perceived influence and their potential to change the course of commerce in the future, both nationally and in Kent.

Mr Towers, from Gillingham, has already become a high-profile figure after gaining national attention for employing himself as an apprentice at his own business, Towers Design, to avoid staying on in higher education at school or college.

He is a sought-after public speaker, a prominent member of the Federation of Small Businesses and has also become a TV star as a business buddy on CBBC show Pocket Money Pitch.

Mr Towers says he does not have a ‘five year plan’ for the future but hopes he can encourage other young people to get engaged with business.