22 Rufus Hall

chief executive, Orchid Group (25)

Why he is on the list:

Hall runs Orchid Group, which operates around 290 sites owned by private equity company GI Partners. It is referred to as the billion dollar start-up, having had no management infrastructure when it debuted, and is seen as the most innovative mid-market operator in the business.

What the past year has held:

Orchid has been refurbishing its estate, mostly acquired out of Punch's Spirit managed division, at break-neck speed. Total spend will be in excess of £50m. It has completed well in excess of 200 schemes, boosting its food income dramatically. Among the new trading formats is a modern take on the carvery and a gastro offering.

Challenges ahead:

Maintaining its stunning progress will test Orchid's management to the full — many of its brand innovations will need to stand the test of time. Progress seems to have whetted GI Partners' appetite for more managed pubs — it expressed interest in buying the whole of Spirit last month.