Founder and chief executive of one Wales’ fastest growing firms Ickle Bubba has stood down. Fran Vaughan, who founded the nursery product firm with his wife Veronica in 2013, has left to peruse other interests, while remaining a significant shareholder.
He has been succeeded at the helm of the business by Ieuan Rowell who first joined the firm in 2018 and last year took up the role of chief financial officer. He now becomes managing director and has increased his equity stake in the business.
The Swansea-based firm, whose products include pushchairs and car seats, was originally based in Llanelli. It was ranked the 10th fastest-growing indigenous firm in Wales in this year’s Wales Fast Growth project, having achieved a growth rate of 256% from 2019 to 2021.
On his decision to stand down, Mr Vaughan said: “Back in 2011, my wife Veronica and I had this crazy idea to create an all in one travel system for new parents that offered great value and style.
“Fast forward to 2022, the journey from then to where we are now has been incredible. Having propelled a business from the ground up, I feel it is the right time to handover my vision to Ieuan, who I know will bring fresh energy, new leadership and be pivotal to Ickle Bubba’s succession plan.”
Mr Vaughan said his departure will now allow him to focus on helping other entrepreneurs start or grow existing ventures.
Mr Rowell, said: “It’s been great working with Fran over the past few years, helping Ickle Bubba become such a successful brand in the nursery market. Whilst leading the finance function has been part of this, I’ve already built some great relationships with our suppliers and customers, as well as being involved in the digital and marketing arena.
“I’m so proud of where the team has already got us to and am really energised to now lead the business into the next phase of delivery of our strategic vision.”
Ickle Bubba now has 55 staff across three sites in the UK and China. Sales have more than doubled every year between 2013 and 2021, with the company estimating revenue will reach £18.6m in the year to the end of March 2023.
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