A Midlands entrepreneur who set up his company to help get children outside to experience nature has been recognised as one of the UK’s most ambitious business leaders.
Peter Ellse, co-founder and CEO of Cosy Direct, was named in the 2025 line-up of the LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders.
He was also awarded the People Award for his commitment to going the extra mile for his employees and customers.
Peter’s inclusion celebrates his drive to establish Cosy, based in Fauld, on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border, as a world pioneer in the design and supply of sustainable nursery and educational equipment.
To date, that drive has seen the company, which Peter set up nearly 15 years ago with his wife, Amanda, grow its annual turnover to nearly £30m, sell more than 6,000 different products to nurseries and schools in 50 countries worldwide and employ 130 people.
Ten per cent of its profits are donated to good causes in the UK and around the world through the Cosy Foundation, and Cosy also owns a farm and campsite which it lends to the charity Derby Kids Camp every year.
Peter said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be named alongside some of the country’s most inspiring business leaders and getting the People Award means the world to us.
“But like every one of the other winners, I know that our successes and awards can’t happen without the support of an exceptional team both at our HQ and, increasingly across the world.
“I’m hugely fortunate to work with colleagues who share the vision and go above and beyond every day. And I’m incredibly grateful to Amanda, who has been by my side every step of the way.”
