A protein powder company founded by a scaffolder from Liverpool is set to make waves on the London stock market, aiming for a staggering £400 million valuation.

Thomas Ryder, the founder of Applied Nutrition, established the sports health brand after starting his career as a scaffolder on a Liverpool council estate.

Now, his company is gearing up for a significant listing in London, a move seen as a major vote of confidence in the brand and its future growth.

Applied Nutrition, based in Knowsley, Liverpool, will offer shares priced between 136p and 160p each, placing the firm’s potential worth between £340 million and £400 million.

As part of the listing, four prominent North West entrepreneurs will invest £25 million in shares, with Mohsin Issa, co-owner of supermarket giant Asda, as one of the cornerstone investors.

Ryder, 40, holds a 53.5% stake in the company, valued at up to £214 million. Despite his impressive entrepreneurial journey, Ryder’s beginnings were humble. Raised by his grandparents on a council house in Kirkby, he left school at 16 to pursue work in scaffolding.

Now a father of four, Ryder’s story is one of determination and business acumen, with his company positioned to become a major player in the sports nutrition market.

The company has also attracted significant backing from major figures in business. Earlier this year, Andy Bell, founder of broker AJ Bell, joined Applied Nutrition as chairman, further solidifying the brand’s credibility.

Ryder’s venture has also garnered interest from former JD Sports boss Peter Cowgill, showcasing the strong appeal of the business among heavyweight investors.

Applied Nutrition’s rise to prominence from its industrial park headquarters in Knowsley to the London Stock Exchange is an inspiring example of how ambition, grit, and vision can lead to extraordinary success.