MJM International, the lingerie firm founded in 1996, served as the primary engine for the career of Scottish entrepreneur Michelle Mone. Rising from a background in Dennistoun, Glasgow, she leveraged the Ultimo brand to gain prominence in the retail sector before transitioning into a career as a Conservative life peer in the House of Lords in 2015.
Early Career and MJM International
Born in 1971, Michelle Allan left school at 15 without qualifications to work in modelling. By 19, she secured a marketing role at Labatt, later claiming she fabricated her credentials. Following redundancy, she founded MJM International with her then-husband, Michael Mone. In 1999, she introduced the Ultimo bra at Selfridges in London, utilizing silicone technology. Despite the company achieving significant media visibility, business filings indicated periods of unprofitability and inconsistent turnover figures between 2007 and 2009.
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Take the IQ test →Diversification and Corporate Controversies
Mone expanded into various commercial interests, including weight-loss supplements marketed as TrimSecrets in collaboration with Jan de Vries, and the tanning brand Ultimo Beauty. These ventures faced scrutiny regarding marketing claims and financial performance. During her tenure at MJM International, the company utilized an employee benefit trust, a tax avoidance mechanism later deemed ineffective by HMRC. Furthermore, in 2014, an employment tribunal ruled against her company regarding the unfair dismissal of an operations director, citing the unauthorized electronic bugging of his office.
Political Tenure and PPE Medpro
In 2015, Mone was appointed a Conservative life peer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company PPE Medpro, linked to her husband, received government contracts totaling £200 million for personal protective equipment. Investigations were subsequently launched by the National Crime Agency and the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards. After years of public denials regarding her involvement, Mone acknowledged in December 2023 that she had connections to the firm, stating she had previously obscured these details to protect her family.
Fast facts
- Born: 1971, Glasgow
- Founder: MJM International (1996)
- Appointment: House of Lords (2015)
- Award: Officer of the Order of the British Empire (2010)
- Recognition: BBC 100 Women (2017)
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
Questions readers ask
What was the initial product sold by MJM International?
The company launched with the Ultimo bra, a cleavage-enhancing product featuring silicone components.
Why did Michelle Mone take a leave of absence from the House of Lords?
She announced a leave of absence in December 2022 to address allegations surrounding her links to PPE Medpro.
Achievements
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire — 2010