Background
Born and raised in Chelsea, London, Ejogo is the son of Charles (Snr) and Elizabeth Douglas. His father (now deceased) was a Nigerian entrepreneur and his mother a Scottish tour guide.
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Charles Ejogo
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Ejogo attended the London Oratory School in Fulham, before going on to read Law at Staffordshire University, and then History and Politics at Goldsmiths, University of London.
Career
Ejogo worked in private banking for Merrill Lynch (in New York and London) and then briefly for Deutsche Bank before going on to set up
In the episode, broadcast on 5 January 2005, his pitch for investment in an umbrella vending machine business resulted in Duncan Bannatyne and Peter Jones making a joint offer of £150,000, which he accepted. After the collapse of the deal in the, Ejogo began working with Seymour Powell to design, and launch a new smaller umbrella vending machine. In October 2007, he secured significant equity investment from Burlington Investment Partners to relaunch the business.
Between 2008 and 2010, Ejogo grew the business nationally and internationally with significant growth in France, Germany, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, and the United States. In March 2010, the United Kingdom arm of the business ceased to trade, when it lost its United Kingdom operating partner, Photo-Maine International, following the resignation of its Chief Executive Officer. The business still provides consultative services, and overseas sales of its products to new and existing customers.
Ejogo has spoken at numerous public events including "Winners – The Rise and Rise of Black British Entrepreneurs" at the British Library, and "Coffee, Croissants, and £2,000,000 Investment" in association with Grant Thornton. He also shared the speaking platform with Peter Jones at The Guardian Graduate Fair in 2008.
Achievements
Connections
Awards
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Ejogo was awarded the "Innovator of the Year" award by the Department of Trade and Industry in 2006, winning the BT Vending "Innovation of the Year" award, in the same year. In 2007, his vending machines won runner-up in the "Product of the Year" category for Vending Magazine.Ejogo was awarded the "Innovator of the Year" award by the Department of Trade and Industry in 2006, winning the BT Vending "Innovation of the Year" award, in the same year. In 2007, his vending machines won runner-up in the "Product of the Year" category for Vending Magazine.