E2E 100 Female: how Universal Partners are empowering entrepreneurs and driving global success
Spotlight on Universal Partners' Visionary Leadership
Universal Partners' Co-founders, Oliver Carson and Dhaval Patel, have led the company's success. Their combined expertise in finance, business strategy, and innovation has been instrumental in shaping the company's upward trajectory and fostering a culture of excellence. Both are deeply committed to supporting entrepreneurs and empowering them with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of international business.
Oliver Carson, CEO and Co-Founder
Oliver Carson is the driving force behind Universal Partners. As CEO and co-founder, he has built the company from its beginnings in his living room to becoming a global leader in financial services. His client-centric approach has been instrumental in establishing Universal Partners as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide. Oliver's focus on fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace has earned Universal Partners industry-wide recognition, including being named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. His belief in the power of a motivated and diverse team has been a key factor in the company's continued growth and success.
Dhaval Patel, Chairman and Co-Founder
Dhaval Patel, Chairman and Co-founder Dhaval Patel's leadership has played an equally critical role in the company's success. As chairman and co-founder, Dhaval has led Universal Partners with a focus on innovation and strategic growth. His personal journey as an entrepreneur and story of overcoming early challenges is both inspiring and a testament to his resilience and dedication. Dhaval's focus on empowering clients and driving sustainable growth has positioned Universal Partners as a leader in the financial services industry. His leadership has been acknowledged through various accolades, including being shortlisted for the 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Scale-Up Entrepreneur of the Year category.
Universal Partners: A Financial Powerhouse for Women Entrepreneurs
Universal Partners recognises the unique challenges entrepreneurs face. Their commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in their client-focused approach, offering the expertise and resources needed to overcome barriers.
From its beginning, Universal Partners has supported female-led businesses, offering bespoke services that ensure entrepreneurs have access to the best financial tools available. Their deep understanding of the challenges women face allows them to provide solutions making a tangible difference. By supporting female entrepreneurs, Universal Partners plays a key role in supporting gender diversity in the business landscape.
Tailored Financial Solutions
Female entrepreneurs often face a lack of access to traditional funding pathways, which can hinder their ability to scale their businesses. Universal Partners steps in to bridge this gap, offering tailored financial solutions designed to meet their specific needs:
• Flexible Funding Solutions: Providing investment opportunities that align with the goals and growth potential of high-growth businesses. These customised funding solutions ensure that women entrepreneurs have access to the capital they need to take their businesses to the next level.
• Foreign Exchange Expertise: Expanding internationally can be a daunting task for many businesses, but Universal Partners' foreign exchange services make it easier for entrepreneurs to engage in cross-border trade. They enable businesses to expand globally without facing the high fees and challenges associated with traditional banking channels.
• Strategic Financial Advisory: Beyond just offering financial products, Universal Partners provides expert guidance and advice to entrepreneurs. Their strategic advisory services help business leaders make informed decisions about investments, operations, and international growth, ensuring that their business is poised for long-term success.
Driving Economic Growth Through Women-Led Businesses
As global economies continue to evolve, female-led businesses have been key drivers of innovation and economic growth. Universal Partners is dedicated to supporting this by providing the financial tools, advisory services, and cross-border expertise that entrepreneurs need to succeed. Their mission is to foster an inclusive business ecosystem where women entrepreneurs are empowered, both locally and internationally.
The company's unwavering commitment to inclusion is further demonstrated by its focus on creating opportunities for female-led businesses to thrive. Universal Partners works closely with clients to identify growth opportunities, optimise cash flow, and provide the resources necessary to scale their operations globally.
Universal Partners: A Partner in the Future of Women Entrepreneurs
Universal Partners has established itself as a financial powerhouse. By offering innovative financial services, expert advisory support, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by female-led businesses, Universal Partners continues to celebrate gender equality in the business world. Whether through strategic funding, global opportunities, or personalised financial guidance, Universal Partners is committed to helping businesses thrive on the world stage.
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Wales Online
4 days ago
- Wales Online
How much every private school in Wales charges and their exam results compared
How much every private school in Wales charges and their exam results compared Some charge fees more than the average wage so what do private schools offer and what results do they get (Image: PA) With exam results days looming some people may be wondering whether paying for their child's education will mean better results. Inpedendent fee charging schools in Wales educate thousands of pupils from locally and around the world. They have been hit this year by new VAT payments which has led to some raising fees by thousands of pounds and some pupils leaving. Some private schools in Wales charge fees higher than the average wage, one charts their history back 800 years and all compete for custom in an ever more competitive world. Many run England series exams with number graded GCSEs and some a mixture of Wales and England run exams. They don't all run the Welsh Baccalaureate. Two schools run by the Cognita group have announced plans to shut at the end of next term blaming factors beyond their control as parents raise funds to save one of them. Some indepedent schools are owned by bigger groups and others go it alone. The leaders of St Gerard's School in Bangor made this warning about VAT which many say is an unfair burden. So how do these schools compare on price, results, ethos and size? Here we take look at exam results as well as fees charged and the education outlook schools takes. You can also compare the results with the all-Wales GCSE performance in summer 2024 and the all-Wales A level results 2024. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here St Michael's Llanelli St Michael's School, Llanelli is s currently The Sunday Times Welsh Independent School of the Decade (Image: St Michael's School, Llanelli) Based in Bryn, near Llanelli, this day and boarding school was, founded in 1923. It is currently The Sunday Times Welsh Independent School of the Decade and in 2024 was awarded The Telegraph Best Value for Money Independent School of the Year. Pupil number: 423 Type of school: Day and boarding for boys and girls from 3 to 18. Religious affiliation: Non-denominational Ethos: "Our ethos consists of five key points: An established heritage of academic excellence, Small enough to care, but big enough to challenge and inspire, Small enough to care, but big enough to challenge and inspire, a curriculum with a local emphasis, A home from home." Motto: Disce ut Vivas Fees: Day fees per term: £2,232 to £5,482. Full boarding fees per year from £12,005 Exam results summer 2024 A levels 86.6% of grades were A* or A 96.7% of grades were A*-B 99.5% of grades were A*-B. GCSE 69.9% of grades were A* or A 88.7% of grades were A*-B 97.4% of grades were A*-C St Michael's runs primarily Wales series GCSEs and A levels. Name of Principal / head: Benson Ferrari Open days coming up: 17th October 2025 Address and contact details: St. Michael's School, Bryn, Llanelli, SA14 9TU Rougemont School, Newport Rougemont School has 700 pupils and celebrates its centenary in 2026 (Image: Rougemont School) Rougemont School takes boys and girls from nursery to sixth form. Based in 90 acres of parkland on the outskirts of Newport the school will celebrate its centenary in 2026. Pupil number: 700 Type of school: Boarding and day for girls and boys Religious affiliation: non denominational Ethos: "We want every pupil to succeed. Success looks different to each individual and individuality is valued here at Rougemont. Motto: A school for life. Fees: From £3,281 to £6,860 a term. Exam results 2024 A levels 70% A*/B 43% A*/A GCSE 2024 24% A* 49% A*/A 49% 76% A*/B Rougemont offers GCSE, A level, EPQ and BTech exams Principal / head: Lisa Pritchard Open days: October 11 2025 and sixth form open evening September 23 2025. Address and contact details: Rougemont School, Llantarnam Hall, Malpas Road, Newport NP20 6QB 01633 820811 registrar@ Read more: Head of top Welsh independent school steps down after more than 30 years Read more: Teacher ditched stable job and home after health 'bombshell' to 'do something meaningful' Ruthin School Ruthin School is one of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom. It dates to 1284 and was founded after Edward I's conquest of Wales (Image: Ruthin School) Founded in 1284, Ruthin School takes 11 to 18 year-olds and is one of the oldest independent schools in the UK. Its distinctive Electives Programme — highlighted by Estyn — broadens opportunities beyond the classroom. Pupils come over 20 different nationalities. Pupil number: 240 aged 11–18, with a roughly equal split between day pupils and boarders. Type of school: Co‑educational, offering day, weekly/flexible boarding and full boarding. Religious affiliation: Non‑denominational Ethos: " strong academic focus sits at the heart of Ruthin School, supported by a broad, balanced curriculum and excellent pastoral care. We encourage a love of learning through high standards, modern traditions, and a nurturing community where every student can thrive." Motto Dei Gratia Sum Quod Sum – 'By the grace of God I am what I am' Fees 2025/2026 Day fees: Year 7 - 9 – £15,800 pa incl. VAT Year 10 & 11 – £17,500 pa incl. VAT Year 12 & 13 - £18,500 pa incl. VAT Full boarding fees: £45,690 plus 20% VAT - (£54,828 incl. VAT) Exam results summer 2024 A Levels 25% A* 60% A*/A GCSEs (England/Wales series): 25% grade 9 40% were grades 9–8 56% were grades 9–7 96% achieved grades 9–4 Ruthin School's GCSE and A Level results are from the England series qualifications, sat under English exam boards. The school does not currently offer the Welsh Baccalaureate or other alternative qualifications. Name of Principal: Frances King Open days coming up: Whole School Open Day October 4 2025 Address and contact details: Ruthin School, Mold Road, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 1EE, Wales Tel: +44 (0)1824 702543 Kings's Monkton School, Cardiff Kings Monkton School in Cardiff (Image: Kings Monkton School) Kings Monkton School is based in the centre of Cardiff. It was founded in 1994 through the merger of two long-established schools—Monkton House (founded in 1870 by Henry Shewbrooks) and King's College. The school takes boys and girls from three to 18 and is owned by Paul Norton who has been principal since 2013. Maximum class size is 18. Pupil numbers: 294 Type: Day school. No boarding. Gender: Mixed Age range: Three to 18 Religious Affiliation: Non‑denominational Motto: 'Be the best you can be.' Ethos: "Our ethos is centred on fostering an inclusive, family-oriented community, underpinned by a happy, innovative, and exceptional learning environment. The foundation of our approach is built on three core values: inclusion, achievement, and choice. We place the highest value on pupil wellbeing." Fees £3,457–£5,453 per term (plus VAT) Exam Results – Summer 2024 A level 52% A* 70% A*/A. 76% A*–B GCSE 50% of grades A*/A 70% A*–B 90% A*–C Principal: Paul Norton with vice principle and head of nursery Mrs Karen Norton. Open days: Rather than holding traditional open‑days, the school offers personalised visits or virtual tours. Prospective parents/pupils are invited to schedule one‑on‑one tours and meetings. Address and contacts: Kings Monkton School, 6 West Grove, Cardiff, CF24 3XL Phone : 029 2048 2854 : 029 2048 2854 Email : mail@ and admissions@ : mail@ and admissions@ Website: S St Gerard's School Trust in Bangor was originally founded by nuns with just two pupils. More than a century later more than 100 boys and girls aged up to 18 attend. (Image: St Gerard's School Trust ) St Gerard's School was established by the Sisters of Mercy when they first came to Bangor in 1915. It started in a rented house with two pupils but soon grew rapidly. In 1917 the school moved onto its current site, rented from Lord Penrhyn by the sisters. After Lord Penrhyn's death in 1919, the sisters bought the site. When the nuns withdrew from providing independent education in 1990, a trust was established and the school got its first lay Head, Anne Parkinson. Pupil number: 101 currently Type of school: A day school for girls and boys Religious affiliation: St Gerard's says it "aims to create a Christian setting in which every young person has the opportunity to make the most of his or her individual gifts". Ethos: "Our aims both at the junior and senior schools are structured around creating a caring community that celebrates success promoting the development of creative, co-operative and independent learners." Fees: The school has only listed its fess fro 2024-25 which were as follows: Termly fees from £3,884 per term in year one to £5,936 per term for years 10 to 13. Exam results 2024 A level 60% A* or A* 96% A*-C GCSE 97% A*-C 58% A*/A Name of Principal / head: Campbell Harrison Open days: Open days are held regularly and promoted on the school's website. Address and contact details : St Gerard's School Trust, 3 Ffriddoedd Road, Bangor LL57 2EL. Tel: 01248 351656 The Cathedral School, Llandaff The Cathedral School, Llandaff was named in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025 as the Welsh Independent School of the Year for the second year running (Image: The Cathedral School, Llandaff) Founded in 1880 this co-educational day school in Cardiff takes pupils aged three to 18. In December 2024, The Cathedral School was named in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025 as the Welsh Independent School of the Year for the second year running. Number of pupils: 808 Type: Day Religious affiliation: Anglican Motto/Ethos: "There are five qualities and virtues that form the school ethos: Achievement, Care, Opportunity, Ambition and Leadership." Fees Exam results 2024 A Level 75% A*-A 75% 96% A*-B 96% GCSE (The school takes England's numbered GCSEs.) 8-9: 55% 7-9: 72% Headteacher: Clare Sherwood Address: Cardiff Rd, Cardiff CF5 2YH. Tel: 029 2056 3179 Haberdashers' Monmouth School Haberdasher's Monmouth Schools students celebrate their A level results in summer 2024 (Image: Desmond Pugh ) Haberdashers' Monmouth School has a 400-year history and takes girls and boys aged three to 18. It merged its two separate boys and girls schools last September to become one and has pupils from across the globe. Pupil number: 900 Type of school ie boarding/day/both girls/boys/both : co-ed day and boarding school for students aged 3 to 18. Religious affiliation: Protestant although all faiths are welcome. Ethos: "We emphasise a holistic education that combines academic excellence with a rich co-curricular programme that includes sports, performing arts, design, and sustainability initiatives. This approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals with confidence, purpose and the skills to thrive in a diverse and globalised world." Motto: N/A Fees: Fees for 2025-26 range from £12,564 a year in reception to £18,411 a year for day pupils in years three to six. For boarders in years three to six fees are £33,795 annually. Fees for day pupils in years seven to 13 are £26,256 rising to £50,649 for full boarding. Sixth form fees are dependent on external or internal entry and boarding but range up to £54,990 a year. Full and weekly boarding is available. Exam results summer 2024: GCSE (The school takes England's numbered GCSEs.) 51.5% 9-7 A level 69.3% A*-B The school uses a variety of exam boards including but not limited to: AQA, OCR, WJEC, Edexcel, Eduqas, Pearson, as well as BTECs, ILETS and Level 3s. Principal / head : Melvyn Roffe (incoming from Sept 25) Open days: October 4 2025, February 7 2026, May 16 2026. Sixth form open evenings October 9 2025 and January 29 2026. Address and contact details: Haberdashers' Monmouth School Almshouse Street, Monmouth, NP25 3XP. Tel: 01600 710 433 Email: admissions@ Article continues below
Times
4 days ago
- Times
I set up my FX firm in a Southend flat. Now we trade £1.6bn a year
Salvation for Southend-on-Sea. After years of trying to shed its tired, 'kiss-me-quick' image, the Essex coastal city has an unlikely new claim to fame: the birthplace of one of the UK's fastest-growing financial services firms. Oliver Carson was just 23 when he launched foreign exchange brokerage Universal Partners from his heavily mortgaged seafront flat eight years ago. Universal handled almost £1.6 billion of trades in 2024 and the outfit is now thought to be the UK's largest independent foreign exchange brokerage. The firm has been so successful that Carson, now 31, has installed a hefty oriental gong in the middle of the trading floor. Anyone landing a trade worth more than £5 million can celebrate with a thwack that reverberates throughout the office. The roster of clients signed up by Carson and his business partner, Dhaval Patel, 34, range from global corporate clients such as Amathus Drinks to Premier League footballers and other high net-worth individuals. Former world light-heavyweight champion boxer Joshua Buatsi is one of several famous names on Universal's books, as is ex-Arsenal and Southampton player Nathan Teller, now at Bayer Leverkusen. Universal helps clients time their transactions from one currency to another at the most advantageous time, thus saving them sizeable sums of money. Buatsi effectively boosted his pay from a recent bout by about £22,000 simply by delaying the transfer to a time when the dollar had lost some value against the pound. Carson and his 90 staff also ensure their clients have access to banking services so they can pay and receive bills in other countries, priding themselves on round-the-clock customer service. This Essex-born Apprentice reject who crashed out of college without any qualifications is not atypical of many dynamic traders who thrive in the City. But Universal's story is not merely another rags-to-riches tale — it also demonstrates the opportunities made possible when industries become over-wedded to technology, failing to understand that many clients still want personal service rather than simply access to a website or an easy-to-use app. Carson prides his brokerage's ability to forge deep relationships with its clients, trying to understand their financial goals and 'pain points'. Is a corporate customer looking to open in a new market and, if so, do they need a bank account or other financial infrastructure to keep costs low in that new arena? Is speed of transaction critical, or can a client wait for when an exchange rate is at its most advantageous? Have customers 'hedged' or protected themselves from possible currency fluctuations in the future? 'Most [foreign exchange] brokers at banks don't really offer that kind of service any more — they're execution only,' said Carson, who is also grabbing business from other non-bank foreign exchange services. 'Too often customers are directed to an online platform and have to convert transactions themselves. If you want to have a conversation with someone, you need to call between 8am and 5pm. 'That just doesn't work for footballers who often want to talk to you between 7pm and 8pm. Our clients can talk to us whenever required — at any time during the week.' Advising finance directors and top sportsmen all sounds a long way from where Carson's entrepreneurial endeavours began — selling conkers on string for 'a pound a pop' at Southend's Greenways Primary School. By 12 he was selling sweets in the playground of his secondary school in Billericay. A year or so later, he set about importing laser pens, polo shirts and other gizmos, making up to £30 a day from his schoolmates. That hunger to earn partly stemmed from a disrupted home life. Carson's parents separated when he was a toddler. He would move several times, attending four different schools. His relationship with his mother became strained. He has seen her just once over the past 14 years, he said. Hustling for money became something of a haven and before long, friends and family suggested he should apply for Young Apprentice, Lord Sugar's spin-off from his reality show for wannabe tycoons. 'I really wanted it and I got down to the last 30,' Carson recalls. 'It didn't work out, so I decided to go to college, largely because there were 2,000 potential customers for my trading, compared with the 500 there had been at school. I'm not sure that's really why you're meant to go to college. Anyway, I bought a moped to take me and the products back and forth from college. I was making £200, £300 a day from selling clothes, sunglasses and other stuff.' Despite failing all his college exams, he landed a place on a one-year course run by the enterprise academy set up by Peter Jones, the Dragons' Den panellist. It was, Carson said, a 'brilliant course', giving him a grounding in everything from financial planning and leadership to market research and pitching. 'I was 18 when I finished,' he remembers. 'That's when I sat down and worked out backwards what I wanted to do. I knew I liked financial markets, I liked psychology and business development. At the same time I had seen how money could make your life better and I wanted to go out there and get it. I put that all together and realised I wanted to be a stockbroker.' He took a job at a small foreign exchange brokerage close to London's Tower Bridge. Although his base pay of £500 a month barely covered his rail fare to and from Southend, he learned fast and within four years he was leading a team of ten traders. This was where he met Patel, his business partner. The pair would set up on their own after working together for four and a half years. 'We might have started sooner but I really wanted my own place and I needed a job to get a mortgage,' Carson said. 'I bought my flat in Southend for £400,000 with a 10 per cent deposit and resigned from my job two weeks later. You could say I've got a certain attitude to risk.' Patel and Carson's start-up would be based at that flat on Southend's Grand Parade for its first year. These days, Universal's home is an office block overlooking Canary Wharf's South Dock in east London. • HSBC leases new Canary Wharf office after return-to-office desk shortage The office today teems with twentysomething portfolio managers, many of whom have joined through Universal's academy. This training scheme provides people as young as 17 with a job starting at about £25,000 a year, as well as up to ten hours of training each week. Universal's ambition is hardly well hidden. Spelt out in capital letters on one of the walls is the mantra: 'We're not here to take part. We're here to take over.' There's been a fair bit to celebrate over the past year. Offering asset finance and other business lending is helping boost revenues. Universal is also moving into new markets, with a European office set to open by the end of this year. So, what about fundraising or a float to help keep the foot on the gas? There are no plans for now but it is clearly on Carson's mind. Carson and Patel still own 50 per cent of the business each. 'Over the past year we've been investing in the business, making big hires at a senior level that should be able to take us to the next level. To be fair, it still feels like we're just getting started.' Someone really does want to take over.
Reuters
28-07-2025
- Reuters
Scale AI competitor Micro1 raising funds at $500 million valuation, sources say
SAN FRANCISCO, July 28 (Reuters) - Scale AI competitor Micro1 is finalizing a Series A round valuing the startup at $500 million, according to two sources familiar with the matter. Micro1 provides data labeling services to artificial intelligence labs, a sector that has grown tremendously in recent years as high-quality, human-generated datasets have become more important in training advanced AI systems. Micro1 has capitalized on this trend by building an AI-powered recruitment engine enabling AI labs to target specialized experts instead of large pools of low-wage labor. The company has told investors it has crossed $50 million in annualized revenue, up from $10 million earlier this year, and is projecting it will cross $100 million in annualized revenue by the end of September, the sources said. Former Twitter COO Adam Bain joined its board recently, and venture capital firms 01A and LG Technology Ventures will invest in the round, the sources said. Micro1 has benefited from recent changes at San Francisco-based Scale AI, a data labeling company that provides infrastructure and services to help organizations accelerate the development of AI models. Scale AI recently lost customers after Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab poached its CEO, Alexandr Wang, to become Meta's chief AI officer, leading Meta's new Superintelligence Labs. Among the customers that have left or are planning to leave Scale AI are Alphabet's (GOOGL.O), opens new tab Google and OpenAI, which are planning to move away over concerns that doing business with Scale could expose their research priorities to Meta. Another Scale AI competitor, Surge AI, is raising up to $1 , and raked in over $1 billion in revenue last year.
