Hannah Mann and Abigail Stuart, Co-Founders of Day One Strategy, have been named among The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2026.
The prestigious programme was created by private equity investor LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group (LYG), in partnership with The Times newspaper.
Since its launch in 2018, the programme has celebrated the ambition and achievements of hundreds of exceptional entrepreneurs across the United Kingdom.
This year’s edition attracted more than 620 nominations from across the UK, reflecting the remarkable depth of ambition among leaders building successful businesses in every region and sector.
The 50 leaders featured collectively generate £1.4 billion in annual revenues and employ almost 8,500 people across their businesses.
Headquartered across 55 towns and cities, these businesses demonstrate the significant contribution that medium-sized companies make to their local communities and the broader UK economy.
Day One Strategy, founded in 2019, is a global healthcare insight and strategy agency that works with eight of the world’s ten leading pharmaceutical companies.
The agency combines human expertise with purpose-built AI decision tools to give healthcare leaders the insight, speed, and clarity needed to launch stronger and grow faster.
Hannah Mann commented on the recognition, reflecting on the company’s journey from its earliest days to its current global standing.
“From the start, we set ourselves ambitious goals. We wanted to build a global company that the best people wanted to work with and work for. We even had a picture of Mount Everest as a reminder of the journey ahead. That ambition pushed us to make bold decisions and take risks, and today we’re proud to work with eight of the world’s ten leading pharmaceutical companies.”
John Garner, Managing Partner at LDC, praised all 50 leaders for their drive and determination to continue building for the future.
“What stands out about this year’s LDC Top 50 is not only what these leaders have already achieved, but their determination to keep moving forward. Across the UK, they are finding new opportunities, investing in their people and building for the future. I congratulate every leader featured this year and wish them continued success.”
The leaders recognised in this year’s list are expanding internationally, developing new products and services, challenging established markets, and investing heavily in their people.
