Founded in 2018 by CTO Professor Davide Mattia and CEO Giovanna Laudisio, Naturbeads has developed technology to address microplastic pollution.

Microplastics – plastic particles which are less than five millimetres in size – persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to pollution in waterways, marine ecosystems, oceans, and soil. They have been detected in over 1,300 marine species, are embedded in the food chain, and have raised serious concerns about their impact on ecosystems and human health. An estimated 2 million tonnes of microplastics are added each year to everyday products from cosmetics to detergents, adhesives, paints, and many more.

EU regulations to ban the use of micro plastics in cosmetics and other products were published in October 2023, with a view to phasing out rinse-off products like shampoos and face washes by 2027, followed by the phase out of further personal and home care products, and agricultural products including fertiliser.

Easton Capital is a division of the Easton Group – a 50 year-old, family-owned property and investment group. Easton Capital provides long term investment to support high growth businesses, and its portfolio includes investments in the green economy, healthcare, whisky production, and biotechnology.

“We are exicted to announce our recent investment in Naturbeads, and proud to support a business that pioneers technology that will combat microplastics pollution.

Naturbeads differentiates itself from other companies in the sector, and has found an effectice, eco-friendly, and scalable solution.”

Created by trusted investment partner LDC – part of Lloyds Banking Group, The Top 50 celebrates entrepreneurs demonstrating remarkable ambition, and is now in its seventh year.

This year the programme received more than 700 nominations showcasing the exceptional individuals building successful and growing businesses right across the UK.

Peter and Steven collected the prestigious award at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly in central London – the iconic home of the world famous arts academy – and are now profiled in the LDC Top 50 website. They also featured in a Times supplement published nationally to celebrate the achievement.

The business leaders featured in The LDC Top 50 for 2024 are making a real impact by creating jobs, promoting social equality, championing sustainability, expanding internationally and integrating purpose into their business practices. They operate from 39 towns and cities across the UK and span every sector of the economy, whilst collectively they employ 5,146 people and generate revenues of more than £1.1bn.

The Easton brothers founded Green Home Systems in 2014 as an energy efficiency specialist that operates throughout Scotland with ambition to scale UK-wide. It installs thermal insulation, smart heating systems, renewable energy technologies, and electric vehicle charge points. The impact-driven company has completed more than 16,500 energy efficiency projects, lifted more than 7,000 families out of fuel poverty, and abated more than 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere.

“It’s been seven years since we launched The LDC Top 50 and in that time we’ve had the privilege of meeting some truly remarkable people. Our business leaders for 2024 show relentless drive and determination in their growth ambitions, and I’d like to congratulate them on everything they’ve achieved so far. This is certainly not the end of their success and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”