Rishi visited Richmond business YOLO Inc to hear how a local start-up built from a home kitchen has become a multi-million pound retail group.
Rishi met founder and CEO Scott Woodhead and his team before touring the warehouse to see operations in action.
During the visit, Mr Sunak helped package a customer order and saw the automated systems that support YOLO’s expanding e-commerce operations.
YOLO Inc was founded in 2014 with just £2,000, following a serious car accident that led Scott to rethink his future and create a company built around opportunity, energy and enjoyment at work.
The business went on to launch brands including My Glasses Club and BRUU, recording rapid early growth and evolving into a multi-brand retail group now valued in the millions.
At the start of 2025, the company made the strategic decision to streamline its operations, reducing sixteen businesses down to two core brands; Scayl and Amazonas.
The move, supported by mentorship from entrepreneur Sir Richard Harpin, has driven stronger performance and a clearer long-term direction.
“It was great to welcome Rishi to YOLO and show him what we’re building,” said Scott Woodhead. “The business is growing faster, the team is happier, and things feel clearer and more focused than they’ve ever been. We’ve been here for over a decade, but honestly it feels like we’re only just getting started. Our plans for 2026 are all about refining what we do best and pushing towards our ambition of building a future unicorn business right here in the North Yorkshire.”
YOLO has received national and regional recognition, including Retail Entrepreneur of the Year 2025 at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, alongside multiple North East and Richmond business honours.
Rishi said: “It’s fantastic to see a business like YOLO growing right here in Richmond. Scott’s journey from a start-up idea to an award-winning company shows the ambition, resilience and innovation we have in our local economy. Businesses like this are creating skilled jobs, embracing technology and backing their teams and that’s exactly the kind of success story we want to see more of.”
The visit highlighted the role of innovative small and medium-sized businesses in driving local growth, creating employment and putting the North of England firmly on the map for modern retail and e-commerce success.
