World’s most influential spa operators,Dorothy Purdew is the entrepreneurial force behind Champneys, an empire employing over 2000 people and one of the most iconic brands in the world.

Dorothy Purdew, 79, opened her first health farm, Frimleys, in 1970. With her son Stephen, 51, she went on to buy Springs, Henlow Grange, Forest Mere and finally Champneys, whose clients have included Victoria and David Beckham, Barbara Windsor and Naomi Campbell.

The spa chain is one of the biggest in the world. In 2009-10, Champneys Henlow, the parent company, made a £446,000 profit on sales of £30.9m. It has net assets of £17.6m and has been valued at £120m, but Sunday Times Rich List valued at £60m.

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