Founder and chairman, Carpetright

Lord Harris Founder and chairman Carpetright

King of carpets Lord Harris has suffered like everyone else in the big-ticket home sector during the downturn, and has had to respond by laying off staff at its Essex headquarters. But the floorings magnate has been around for many years and seen enough downturns not to be unduly concerned by the brutal trading conditions in his sector.

Even though he turns 70 next year, those close to Harris say the difficult market has meant he is even more hands on in the business than usual, using his experience to make the most of the conditions to gain market share from its biggest competitors, the independent carpet shops.

The fanatical Arsenal fan still has bags of energy, which, when not being expended on Carpetright, are going into his ever-expanding network of schools around south London to further his passion for improving educational opportunities for children in his home area.