12 Ian Payne Laurel chairman (14) Paul Symonds Laurel chief executive (new entry)

Why they are on the list:

Payne made a spectacular return to the trade last year when he replaced Chris Hutt as chairman of Laurel - a company he formerly ran when it bought 3,000 former Whitbread sites. Symonds, formerly managing director of Spirit's Pubs & Bars, was appointed chief executive in August. The pair are set to manage around 480 sites after boss Robert Tchenguiz bought the La Tasca restaurant chain.

What the past year has held:

Payne has assembled a strong team below him, all of whom have experience at bigger companies - the appointment of former JD Wetherspoon commercial director Suzanne Baker is a prime example. Within three weeks of arriving at Laurel, Symonds restructured the company to provide clearer direction. The Pubs & Bars division is headed by former Spirit man Toby Smith, while quality food has been split into two divisions - Slug & Lettuce and Ha! Ha! Bar & Canteen.

Challenges ahead:

Payne is keen to see Laurel lead the way in the consolidation of the casual-dining market in the coming year, following the acquisition of La Tasca. The deal will see it add the 74 sites to its Slug & Lettuce and Ha! Ha! businesses within the restaurant division.