Meet the UK’s youngest employer disrupting the marketing industry
Share this Article
Hull, UK. May 23rd 2025 – Owen Clater, an 18-year-old entrepreneur, is emerging as one of the UK’s youngest employers as the founder and CEO of Becks & Clates, a marketing and technology agency.
“Businesses are overwhelmed with generic outreach,” Owen explained. “We’re creating tech that makes every message feel personal, while still scaling fast.”
Operating from the University of Hull’s Enterprise Centre, Owen leads a team of seven and is gaining recognition internationally for his work with global clients in B2B industries.
Gary Clark, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Connexin, spoke highly of Owen’s potential, sharing his positive initial impressions: “Since I was first introduced to Owen I was impressed with his drive. enthusiasm, passion and entrepreneurship.
“For someone who is still very young and has lots to learn still he is willing to listen also when provided with help/guidance so that tells me an awful lot about him also as a person. Not one for predictions but I can sense this young man is destined for a bright, exciting future.”
Owen’s interest in business began at the age of 14, when he launched a series of online dropshipping ventures. After the industry became saturated, he pivoted to marketing and founded Becks & Clates at 17.
“I went from making sandwiches at Subway, to running a growing agency with 3 offices and global clients in just a year,” he said. “It’s been a surreal journey, but it shows anything is possible when you stay focused and take calculated risks.”
Myles, Owen’s former Team Leader at Subway says: “Even back then, you could tell he was going places. Hardworking, professional and great with people. He’s built for success.“
Becks & Clates has since developed in the last year into a full-service agency specialising in web and app design, whilst offering services such as: lead generation, performance marketing, SEO, and brand filmmaking.
In addition to leading his business, Owen aims to launch the Young Entrepreneurs Association, collaborating with large Universities, regional councils and organisations including The Business Hive, The Business Culture and MC4C to help young entrepreneurs grow.
The initiative aims to support young people in developing business skills and starting their own ventures. “Entrepreneurship gave me purpose,” said Owen. “I want to show young people that success is inevitable if you keep going in the face of adversity.”
Owen has also been invited to speak on stage by Future Humber on the Business Day. He will primarily be speaking to newly appointed Mayor Luke Campbell whilst also asking questions to Leader of East Riding Council Anne Handley, Councillor of Hull City Council Mike Ross and emerging leaders from Ideal Heating & Philips 66.
Diana Taylor, Managing Director at Future Humber, said: “Owen represents the energy, creativity and determination that’s driving the Humber’s next chapter. I’m thrilled he’s joining us at The Business Day to challenge our region’s leaders and help shape a future that works for everyone.”
Recently accepted into the regional finals of the PJF National Entrepreneur of The Year Award, Owen is preparing to pitch to a judging panel in Newcastle, as part of the competition later this month.
With the ultimate goal of advancing to the national finals, Owen is aiming to be named overall winner. A title that comes with a £10,000 business grant and the rare opportunity to pitch directly to one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs, Peter Jones.
Owen’s work has attracted attention beyond the UK, with a recent contract win in Saudi Arabia and plans to expand Becks & Clates’ presence in the Middle East with a new office.
ProspectorPro AI, a Polish startup specialising in AI-powered customer relationship management, appointed Owen as Chief Marketing Officer and investor as part of its global expansion and goal to sell for £24.8m by 2028.
“Owen represents a rare combination of youth, execution, and vision,” said Robert John Spence, co-founder of ProspectorPro AI and former Sales Director at Coutts Bank.
Through Owen’s leadership, his company has recently launched an artificial intelligence platform designed to automate lead generation, recently taking on clients such as The Business Hive, Forrester Boyd and Smart Choice.
Alison Mitchell, Head of Marketing at Forrester Boyd added: “After a meeting with Archie Fox, he introduced me to Owen and the team. Their vision, passion and ingenuity for pushing the boundaries of marketing utilising technology is something else.
“The dynamic tech they are developing helps to remove the mundane marketing and business development tasks, delivering personalised automated outreach that brings real results/value. I cannot wait to roll out this tech.”
The software includes features such as video personalisation, lip-sync technology, and automated messaging. Owen stated that he believes this could significantly streamline client outreach and contribute to the company’s goal of reaching £1 million in annual revenue by 2027.
ENDS
Press Release published by
Got News You'd Like To Share With The World?
Press Release Distribution Starts from £95
PR Fire is here to help you stand out!
Using our simple pay-as-you-go portal, just select your targeted industry, and our team will begin custom-building your distribution.
