Concierge firm co-founded by queen’s nephew went on ‘ill-timed’ hiring spree before Iran war
Quintessentially, a luxury concierge firm co-founded by Queen Camilla's nephew Ben Elliot, nearly quadrupled its staff in the Middle East and Asia ahead of the US-Israel war on Iran, which triggered wealthy clients to flee the region. The company reported pre-tax losses of £3m for the year to April 2025, up from the previous year, and warned of material uncertainty about its future. Despite rising overall revenues, driven by its US operations, the firm faces financial strain and increased debt.
- ▪Quintessentially increased its staff in the Middle East and Asia from 22 to 84 during the financial year to 30 April 2025.
- ▪The company reported pre-tax losses of £3m for the year, up from £2.1m in the prior year.
- ▪The firm's debt to its shareholder World Fuel Services Europe rose to £18.1m by November 2025.
- ▪Operations in the UAE prompted management to conduct scenario analyses on potential regional disruptions.
- ▪Revenues rose to £33.8m, primarily due to a £7m increase in US sales, while UK revenues declined by £3.4m.
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Beds lie empty at a residential beach development in Dubai. Quintessentially made pre-tax losses of £3m in the year to 30 April 2025. Photograph: AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenBeds lie empty at a residential beach development in Dubai. Quintessentially made pre-tax losses of £3m in the year to 30 April 2025. Photograph: AFP/Getty ImagesServices sectorConcierge firm co-founded by queen’s nephew went on ‘ill-timed’ hiring spree before Iran warQuintessentially almost quadrupled staff in Middle East and Asia less than year before wealthy began to flee GulfSimon GoodleyTue 5 May 2026 01.00 EDTLast modified on Tue 5 May 2026 01.02 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe embattled luxury concierge service co-founded by Queen Camilla’s nephew Ben Elliot embarked on what appeared to be…
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