Paul Luen: How I made millions from a £2,000 punt on shipping

After having their ideas turned down by short-sighted bosses, Paul Luen and his colleages set up their own business. This year, their company is set to turnover £5m.

Paul Luen, 40, learned the value of money at an early age. He was brought up in a bed-sit in Hull and cash was always tight. His mother was just 17 when he was born. His father, a pipefitter, had to go to work in Germany to make ends meet.

"My mother was a real disciplinarian," says the founder of marine technology business Martek Marine. "I was always the first kid back in the house at night. I had to do my homework before I was allowed out to play. But she gave me a great work ethic." At the age of seven, he picked blackberries and sold them outside his local Spar. He later moved on to buying videotapes in bulk and selling them for a modest profit.

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Jody Clarke

Jody studied at the University of Limerick and was a senior writer for MoneyWeek. Jody is experienced in interviewing, for example digging into the lives of an ex-M15 agent and quirky business owners who have made millions. Jody’s other areas of expertise include advice on funds, stocks and house prices.