The costly US expansion and timing

Sophie Mirman was thrown in at the deep end when – at the age of 13 – she was in a car accident with her parents. They were both badly injured and, a few years later, Sophie felt she had to find a way to help the family finances.

She started as a very junior secretary in M&S, applied for jobs she says she wasn’t qualified for, and went on to hold the top jobs at Tie Rack, SockShop and Trotters.

She discusses the all-consuming nature of expanding outside the UK and how her more cautious approach these days is, ultimately, more enjoyable.

Producer: Sally Abrahams Editor: Matt Willis Sound: Jackie Margerum Production co-ordinator: Katie Morrison

(Image: Sophie Mirman. Credit: Pylewell)