My Story
Penny Streeter OBE: Building an Empire
Penny Streeter OBE is a successful entrepreneur with a fascinating story.
She is the founder of the A24Group, a leading medical staffing agency. Penny is also the driving force behind award-winning wine estates: Benguela Cove in South Africa and Leonardslee in the UK.
Career Highlights
At one time living in a homeless refuge with young children, Penny has become one of the most successful women entrepreneurs in South Africa and the UK. Born in Zimbabwe, Penny's family was forced to leave the country in 1979 due to political unrest and moved to the UK with her mother at the age of 12.
Penny's early career began in the recruitment sector. Her natural tenacity and passion for helping others quickly led her to start her first recruitment company at the age of 22 in 1989. However, when the business collapsed and her marriage ended, Penny found herself living in a homeless refuge for two years, pregnant with her third child.
Undeterred by these challenges, Penny founded her second company in 1995, financing the venture by moonlighting as a children's entertainer. Recognising the potential for a 24-7 service to meet the urgent demand for temporary medical personnel, together with her mum, Marion Hewson, they established Ambition24hours Nursing Agency, part of the A24Group in 1996.
The company experienced rapid growth under Penny's unique management and service delivery model, leading it to win the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 'Fastest Growing UK Companies' award in 2002. By 2004, the A24Group had revenues exceeding £50 million and employed over 200 staff.
As the A24Group continued to thrive, Penny diversified into the wine, hospitality, and leisure industries.
From Industry Leading Recruitment, to World-Class Hospitality Ventures
In 2013, she acquired the Benguela Cove vineyard in South Africa's Walker Bay wine region. She then created the UK's first 'golf and wine estate' at Mannings Heath Golf Club in the UK in 2016. The following year, Penny expanded her portfolio with the acquisition of Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, a 240-acre Grade I Listed property in the UK, which she has transformed into a major holiday and entertainment destination.
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is situated on the Hermanus Wine Route in South Africa's Walker Bay region, a stunning wine tourism destination created by the Streeter family.
The oceanside estate boasts luxury villa accommodation, the Moody Lagoon Restaurant, wine tastings, and a lagoon eco-cruise.
Benguela produces exceptional cool climate wines, using only estate-grown grapes, and is in the World's Top 100 vineyards.
Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens near Horsham features Grade I Listed woodland gardens, a vineyard, and luxury accommodation. Established by the great Victorian plant collector Sir Edmund Loder, the estate has seven interlaced lakes and rare flora and wildlife.
Visitors can explore the Pulham rock garden, enjoy family-friendly attractions, and attend a year-round programme of events. The estate also features Restaurant Interlude, a Michelin-starred dining experience, now with a Green Star, and ten individually designed en-suite bedrooms in the Grade II Listed Leonardslee House.
Leonardslee Wine Estate has a 38-acre vineyard producing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier sparkling wines, released in 2024.
The estate also features a vineyard hotel, restaurant and tasting room, for guests to enjoy an immersive wine experience, and both 18 and 9-hole golf courses.
Enterprise and Sustainability
Penny's impressive achievements have earned her numerous accolades, including an OBE for her 'Services to Enterprise' in 2006 and recognition as the CBI Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003. She has also been a champion for women entrepreneurs, sharing her story and experiences to inspire others.
Sustainability and environmental conservation are at the forefront of Penny's wine and hospitality businesses.
Restaurant Interlude at Leonardslee won its first Michelin Green Star in 2024. Benguela Cove has been recognised by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) for its exceptional contribution to conserving threatened habitats in South Africa. Both the Hermanus estate and Leonardslee Family Vineyards in the UK employ environmentally responsible farming practices to minimise the use of chemicals and maximise the well-being of indigenous flora and fauna.
Drawing from her own experience of homelessness, Penny became the Patron of the Hermanus Night Shelter Association (HNSA) in South Africa in 2018. She actively supports the charity by hosting fundraising events, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to the community.
Penny Streeter's career serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.
Her resilience, innovation, and dedication have allowed her to overcome adversity and build a thriving business empire that spans continents and industries. As she continues to lead the A24Group and Leonardslee, Penny remains committed to making a positive impact on both the business world and the communities she serves.