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Eighteen-year-old Owen Clater is rewriting the script on youth entrepreneurship. As CEO and founder of Becks & Clates, he’s one of the UK’s youngest employers, leading a fast-scaling marketing tech firm already turning heads worldwide.
“Businesses are overwhelmed with generic outreach,” Owen said. “We’re creating tech that makes every message feel personal, while still scaling fast.”
Based at the University of Hull’s Enterprise Centre, Owen leads a team of seven and services global B2B clients. His innovation and leadership are earning accolades from industry figures.
Gary Clark of Connexin shared his first impression: “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 entrepreneurial streak began at 14 with dropshipping. By 17, he had redirected his focus to marketing and founded Becks & Clates.
“I went from making sandwiches at Subway, to running a growing agency with 3 offices and global clients in just a year,” he shared. “It’s been a surreal journey, but it shows anything is possible when you stay focused and take calculated risks.”
His Subway supervisor, Myles, said: “Even back then, you could tell he was going places. Hardworking, professional and great with people. He’s built for success.“
The agency now delivers full-spectrum digital services, from web and app development to SEO, paid media, lead generation, and brand filmmaking.
Beyond running his business, Owen is launching the Young Entrepreneurs Association, in partnership with universities, councils, and support networks like The Business Hive and MC4C, to foster youth-led ventures.
“Entrepreneurship gave me purpose,” Owen added. “I want to show young people that success is inevitable if you keep going in the face of adversity.”
Later this month, Owen will take the stage at Future Humber’s Business Day event, speaking with newly elected Mayor Luke Campbell and engaging with key civic leaders from East Riding Council, Hull City Council, and firms like Philips 66.
Diana Taylor, Managing Director at Future Humber, stated: “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.”
Owen has also advanced to the regional finals of the PJF National Entrepreneur of the Year contest, where he’ll compete for a spot in the nationals, a £10,000 grant, and a once-in-a-lifetime pitch to Peter Jones.
Meanwhile, his company is going global. With a recent Saudi Arabia contract secured, Becks & Clates will soon open a Middle East office.
In parallel, Owen has taken on the role of Chief Marketing Officer and investor at Polish CRM firm ProspectorPro AI, which aims for a £24.8 million valuation 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.
The agency has also launched a proprietary AI platform for lead generation, already in use by clients like The Business Hive, Smart Choice, and Forrester Boyd.
Alison Mitchell of Forrester Boyd said: “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 platform offers features such as AI video personalisation, lip-synced messaging, and hands-free outreach. Owen believes this tech will be instrumental in reaching their ambitious £1 million annual turnover target by 2027.