Sophie Cornish

Co-Founder of Not On The High Street, Bestselling Author of “Build A Business From Your Kitchen Table” & “Shape Up Your Business” & Leading Entrepreneur

Sophie Cornish’s Biography:

Sophie Cornish is a multi-award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author and board-level leader, best known as the co-founder of the pioneering online marketplace notonthehighstreet.com. Renowned for her commercial instinct, brand-building expertise and leadership insight, Sophie has built, scaled and advised multiple successful businesses while championing female entrepreneurship. Her ability to translate real entrepreneurial experience into practical, relatable insight makes her a highly sought-after speaker on leadership, growth and innovation.

Sophie began her career in media, branding and communications, holding senior editorial and commercial roles at leading publications including Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping and IPC Media. She later moved into agency and consultancy work, serving as an Account Director at Publicis and advising businesses as a writer and consultant. This early grounding in brand, storytelling and consumer behaviour laid the foundation for her transition into entrepreneurship.

In 2006, Sophie co-founded notonthehighstreet.com, creating one of the UK’s most successful online marketplaces and redefining how independent businesses reach consumers. Since then, she has held numerous senior leadership and non-executive roles, including Director and Managing Partner at Busby & Fox, where she now serves as Chairman. Sophie has also served as a director across a diverse portfolio of creative, retail, and media businesses, while mentoring founders and advising organisations on sustainable growth.

Alongside her commercial career, Sophie is an accomplished author and advocate for business education. She has co-authored two bestselling books, ‘Build A Business From Your Kitchen Table’ and ‘Shape Up Your Business’, and remains a regular contributor to Stylist magazine. Her contribution to business and entrepreneurship has been recognised with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, alongside numerous industry awards.

Why Hire Sophie Cornish?

She has delivered talks for the likes of Innocent Drinks and shared her expertise on leading podcasts, including Sound Advice, reinforcing her reputation as a trusted and influential voice in modern business. Sophie also serves as a Trustee of Cardiomyopathy UK, reflecting her commitment to purpose-driven leadership. Whether addressing founders, senior leaders or corporate audiences, she leaves audiences empowered, informed and ready to take decisive action.

Sophie is hired as a speaker for her rare combination of entrepreneurial credibility, board-level leadership and engaging, down-to-earth storytelling. Drawing on her experience as a founder, chair and bestselling author, she delivers talks that are honest, practical and deeply relatable. Sophie speaks openly about growth, failure, leadership and resilience, offering audiences real insight into building brands, leading teams and scaling businesses sustainably in fast-changing environments.

Sophie Cornish’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Sophie Cornish’s inspirational career:

• 2025 – Delivered keynote speeches to business and leadership audiences, sharing insight on entrepreneurship, governance and purpose-led growth, drawing on her experience as a founder, chair and trustee.
• 2023 – Appointed Member of the Board of Trustees at Cardiomyopathy UK, supporting strategic governance and long-term impact.
• 2022 – Became Chairman of Busby & Fox, guiding the brand’s strategic direction and growth.
• 2019 – Appointed Director at Penny Vincenzi, contributing to leadership and creative oversight.
• 2017 – Named to the Sunday Times Maserati 100, recognising Britain’s most innovative entrepreneurs.
• 2017 – Appointed Director and Managing Partner at Busby & Fox, overseeing expansion and brand development.
• 2016 – Awarded Evening Standard Progress 1000 Business Brains for her influence in UK enterprise.
• 2015 – Selected as a Times and Sunday Times Ready Business Mentor at News UK.
• 2013 – Awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to entrepreneurship.
• 2012 – Won the Lloyds Bank First Women Award and Investor Allstars Entrepreneur of the Year.
• 2006 – Co-founded notonthehighstreet.com, building one of the UK’s most successful online marketplaces.