At just 18 years old, Owen Clater has earned recognition as one of the UK’s youngest employers. As the founder and CEO of Becks & Clates, a marketing and technology agency, Owen is quickly gaining traction for his innovative approach and rapid growth.
“Businesses are overwhelmed with generic outreach,” Owen shared. “We’re creating tech that makes every message feel personal, while still scaling fast.”
Working out of the University of Hull’s Enterprise Centre, Owen now oversees a team of seven, delivering results for international B2B clients. His efforts have already drawn praise from leading figures in the industry.
Gary Clark, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Connexin, remarked: “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 journey began at age 14, selling through online dropshipping platforms. As the market became oversaturated, he pivoted into marketing and launched Becks & Clates at 17.
“I went from making sandwiches at Subway, to running a growing agency with 3 offices and global clients in just a year,” he said. “It’s been a surreal journey, but it shows anything is possible when you stay focused and take calculated risks.”
His former Subway manager, Myles, recalls Owen’s early promise: “Even back then, you could tell he was going places. Hardworking, professional and great with people. He’s built for success.“
Today, Becks & Clates offers a wide range of services including web and app design, lead generation, performance marketing, SEO, and brand filmmaking, positioning itself as a full-service agency.
Alongside leading his agency, Owen is planning to launch the Young Entrepreneurs Association. The initiative, in collaboration with major universities, councils, and organisations such as The Business Hive, The Business Culture, and MC4C, will support aspiring young business owners.
“Entrepreneurship gave me purpose,” Owen reflected. “I want to show young people that success is inevitable if you keep going in the face of adversity.”
Owen is also set to speak at The Business Day, hosted by Future Humber, where he’ll engage with newly elected Mayor Luke Campbell, as well as regional leaders including Anne Handley, Mike Ross, and representatives from Ideal Heating and Phillips 66.
Diana Taylor, Managing Director of Future Humber, commented: “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.”
As a finalist in the regional round of the PJF National Entrepreneur of the Year competition, Owen is preparing to pitch in Newcastle later this month. The national winner will receive a £10,000 grant and a rare chance to pitch directly to Peter Jones.
Expanding beyond the UK, Owen recently secured a deal in Saudi Arabia and plans to open a Becks & Clates office in the Middle East.
Additionally, he has joined Polish tech firm ProspectorPro AI as Chief Marketing Officer and investor, helping the CRM startup aim for a £24.8m 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.
Under Owen’s leadership, the firm has also developed an AI tool that automates lead generation, with new clients including The Business Hive, Forrester Boyd, and Smart Choice.
Alison Mitchell, Head of Marketing at Forrester Boyd, praised the tool’s impact: “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 software includes features like video personalisation, lip-syncing, and automated messaging. Owen believes it could be key to Becks & Clates achieving its £1 million annual revenue target by 2027.
