The firm then followed this up a few months later with the acquisition of Neilson Active Holidays from Thomas Cook.

Johnson said there were a number of challenges in creating a new independent business.

“Splitting Neilson away from Thomas Cook was quite a wrench so we had to reinvent virtually the whole of the IT, administration system, everything from booking to accounting, payroll, you name it.

“That process, that full separation only happened in recent months but it took a lot of work and investment.”

Johnson’s big break in business came in 1993 when he took control of Pizza Express with his business partner. He served as chairman and grew the company from 12 to 250 restaurants, selling it in 1999. He co-founded Risk Capital in 2001 alongside Ben Redmond.

Johnson first realised he had a knack for investing while studying at college to be a doctor. He threw a lot of parties on campus and was warned that he would get kicked out if they continued. He decided to transfer the event to the local nightclub, with his partner suggesting they charge on the door for entry.

“I think I can say from the first night it was a hit…. I think from that split second almost I decided I didn’t want to do any more dissections… and I’d much rather be in business.”