32 Jon Moulton founder, Alchemy Partners (new entry) Roy Ellis managing director, Inventive Leisure (new entry) David Ford chief executive, Tattershall Castle (new entry)

Why they're on the list:

Private-equity firm Alchemy Partners owns the 150-strong Tattershall Castle group and high-street Revolution Vodka Bars, operated by Inventive Leisure.

What the past year has held:

Tattershall Castle, named after a floating pub moored on the Rover Thames, is a mixed bag estate. Substantial investment — around £30m up to now — is underway to revive its trading fortunes. Inventive Leisure, a more focused high-street operation, trades in a more unified style, and has successfully concentrated on the late-night market. It has managed to largely escape the continuing problems besetting the high-street sector thanks to a very well-defined market position.

Challenges ahead:

Moulton admits that progress in re-fashioning Tattershall Castle is "slow but on target". Much of the accent this year will be on refurbishment of sites and acceleration of food sales. Inventive Leisure is pursuing its tried-and-tested formula with new sites a key component. Its flagship Leadenhall site has traded out of its skin since opening last summer.