How to fast track your business: Giggling Squid

Andy Laurillard, 46, and his wife Pranee, 47, started Giggling Squid in 2009, setting up their first restaurant in Hove before expanding across the UK. They now have more than 20 restaurants across southern England and the Midlands serving modern Thai food. Giggling Squid ranked at No 60 in the 2017 Sunday Times Fast Track 100.

What inspired you to start your business?
My wife Pranee started the business. She felt that despite there being lots of restaurants in Brighton, hardly any of them were any good.  And with so much lovely fresh fish being landed in Portslade harbour, the town could use a good Thai with a seafood twist.

What has been your biggest challenge?
People, sites and money.

What has been your best business decision?
To roll out one brand nationally as it made us investible.

What has been your worst business decision?
Quite a few vying for first place. There’s a hall of fame.

Which business leader would you most like to share a meal with, and why?
I have found working with our chairman Simon Kossoff (ex-Carluccio driving force) to be great. I also greatly admire Peter Long, ex-TUI CEO, now chairman of Royal Mail and Countrywide.

What company do you most admire, and why?
Close to home, I am a great admirer of how Pizza Express has kept itself relevant over many decades and somewhat above the commoditised fray.