Simon Wolfson

During the political drama of the past few months and a new government, the Next boss has been in his element. Wolfson has proved his influence both in politics and with his peers as the driving force behind a letter signed by several powerful business chiefs opposing the then Labour government’s plans to raise National Insurance contributions.

The Conservatives have appointed Wolfson a working peer and, although he has stressed several times that he intends to stay on in charge of Next, a career in politics seems inevitable.

Not only has Wolfson demonstrated his political ability, he has also kept Next on a steady course throughout the downturn with not only a tendency to under-promise and over-deliver, but also to run the business intelligently and cautiously. Despite a tough climate, the retailer reported its first full-year, like-for-like sales growth in four years.

Products have gradually improved at Next and new ranges have helped make the retailer more fashionable, with sexy summer ad campaigns pushing the message of its fashion offer. It is also changing the way it sources many of its products to become a faster fashion” player.

Wolfson has also identified a gap in the market to break further into homewares after a number of chains went under in the past few years. Next’s affordable range is set to expand this year in an attempt to take some market share.