Billionaire Gymshark founder reveals his secret to success after receiving MBE from Prince William

Ben Francis, the founder of the hugely successful fitness and lifestyle brand Gymshark, met Prince William before receiving his MBE on Wednesday (May 10).

Francis recently became the UK’s youngest billionaire. At just 30-years-old, he is the founder Gymshark, which is now worth an estimated £1.25 billion ($1.5bn). The brand has been worn by some of the most famous US celebrities in recent years, incluidng Vanessa Hudgens, boxer Ryan Garcia, Kendall Jenner and Nicole Scherzinger.

Ben, an Aston Villa fan, who grew up in Bromsgrove and attended Aston University, posted a photo on Instagram after receving his MBE at Windsor Castle. The photo shows him meeting and shaking hands with Prince William before being given the prestigious accolade. Ben was awarded the MBE in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to the business sector.

In the caption, Ben also revealed to his followers his number one piece of advice. He wrote: “My number one piece of advice, bet on yourself.

“12 years ago, I was lining furnaces with my grandad. 10 years ago I was hand sewing my own products. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Long live Gymshark.”

The Gymshark CEO now lives in the Cotswolds with his wife Robin, and their twin sons. Recently, Francis was named on Forbes’ World’s Billionaire list who are 30 and under. He now has a total net worth of $1.2 billion (£922 million) - becoming the UK’s youngest billionaire.

The 30-year-old has also been appointed as a member of Downing Street’s business advisory board. His brand now sells in 230 countries, and Ben has mentioned numerous times that he wants Gymshark to rank alongside the likes of Nike and Adidas as one of the world’s most recognisable sportswear brands