As the tender shoots of early summer flourish and thrive, we cast our eye on young talent in the City for the annual Brummell Ones to Watch listing. We’ve identified 30 individuals under 40 as rising stars in London’s financial and allied fields and we’re proud to feature them in our pages. With outstanding achievements already under their belts, demonstrating impressive drive, energy and entrepreneurial spirit both inside and outside of work, they are set to make it to the top of their markets, shining in the financial firmament. 

That ambitious vision and will to achieve are traits of all entrepreneurs, including Lucy Challenger, who worked as a consultant in recruitment and, struggling to find a reliable nanny during her maternity leave, set up her own domestic recruitment business. In just two months she clocked up 10,000 clients. We talk to her about how adeptness in harnessing social media has helped create a successful company as she continues to use TikTok to help in training and sourcing staff for clients, both corporate and private. 

Elsewhere we profile an abundance of boutique brands that hold craftsmanship close to their hearts and discover that the traditional artisanal – often regarded as untouchable in terms of modernisation – can be given contemporary makeovers to keep up with the times. 

More craftsmanship is explored in our watch special, looking at how some defining designs of the 20th century have been reimagined for modern moments. Expect titanium, colourful new editions, a growing number of gender-neutral timepieces and some extreme experimentation. We hope you enjoy our show of hands and star turns this issue.