John Mills Businessman: The Visionary Behind JML and His Legacy in British Industry

Introduction

John Mills, known formally as John Angus Donald Mills, was not just a businessman — he was a pioneer, political thinker, and economic reformer. Best known as the founder of JML (John Mills Limited), he revolutionized direct-to-consumer marketing in the UK and beyond. Over his long and impactful career, he built a bridge between entrepreneurship, economic advocacy, and political activism, earning recognition as a British entrepreneur, Labour Party supporter, and TV retail pioneer. This article explores his life, achievements, ideologies, and the businesses he created that have left a lasting imprint on British industry.

Early Life and Education

Foundations of a Business Mind

Born on May 8, 1938, in Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, John Mills came from a disciplined background. His father was Colonel Kenneth Mills of the British Army, and this disciplined upbringing deeply shaped John’s approach to work and strategy.

Academic Journey

Mills received his education at Glenalmond College in Scotland, a foundation that helped develop his keen intellect and global perspective. He later attended Oxford University, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE Oxford) at Merton College, graduating in 1961. His time at Oxford would later heavily influence his economic writings and political ideologies.

Business Career

The Birth of JML

John Mills launched JML (John Mills Limited) in 1986 from the basement of his Camden home. The idea was revolutionary — selling consumer products using in-store video demonstrations, at a time when such tactics were virtually unheard of.

JML’s Business Model

His unique approach integrated TV shopping channels with physical retail locations, creating a hybrid form of direct-to-consumer marketing. JML became known for household essentials and gadgets — from homewares and gadgets like the FastFit ironing board cover to international hits like the Snuggie Blanket.

Global Reach

JML’s reach expanded to over 70 countries, with millions of units sold annually. Mills became recognized as a UK export leader and a business innovator, managing a company that combined product innovation, retail distribution, and international exports.

Political and Economic Contributions

Political Activism

Mills was not just a businessman — he was a committed Labour Party supporter. He served as a Camden Borough councillor for over three decades and held roles such as Chair of the Housing and Finance Committees and Deputy Chairman of the London Docklands Corporation.

Brexit and Labour Leave

In later years, Mills played a major role in the Brexit movement, first as a supporter of Vote Leave and later as the founder of Labour Leave, aiming to give a left-leaning voice to the Brexit campaign. As a Eurosceptic, he believed EU membership harmed British industrial growth.

Economic Thought Leadership

An Advocate for Growth

Mills dedicated much of his life to economic growth advocacy. A fierce believer in reindustrialization and managed exchange rate policy, he argued that Britain needed a manufacturing revival to sustain long-term prosperity.

Key Publications

Mills was also a prolific economic policy author, having written several influential works, including:

• Why Trump Won

• Brexit Economics

• Britain’s Achilles Heel

• Raising Productivity

• Manufacturing a Recovery from Coronavirus

• The Elephant in the Room

Institute for Prosperity

In 2020, he established the Institute for Prosperity, a cross-party economic think tank promoting rapid economic expansion and industrial rebirth. This initiative brought together economists, politicians, and business leaders.

Personal Life and Family

A Strong Personal Foundation

John Mills was married to Dame Barbara Mills, former Director of Public Prosecutions, until her death in 2011. In 2021, he married Marjorie Wallace, CEO of the mental health charity SANE. He had four children, including connections to public figures like Jess Mills (musician) and Eleanor Mills (journalist). His brother, David Mills, was also a public figure.

Interests Beyond Business

Beyond business, Mills was a certified private jet pilot, a lover of opera, and a noted philanthropist. His diverse interests reflected a deeply intellectual and well-rounded personality.

Legacy and Impact

A Lasting Impression

John Mills passed away in April 2025, marking the end of an extraordinary journey. His passing is recorded in his 2025 obituary, which highlights a lifetime of achievement. Mills is remembered as:

• A British businessman and chairman of JML

• A marketing entrepreneur who redefined retail

• A political activist who influenced national discourse

• An economic reformer and think tank founder

His unique combination of business strategy, policy insight, and visionary leadership leaves a blueprint for future generations of entrepreneurs and reformers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was John Mills?

John Mills was a British entrepreneur, political activist, and economist, best known as the founder of JML, a retail company specializing in direct-to-consumer marketing.

What is JML?

JML (John Mills Limited) is a company that markets household and personal products using video-based in-store demonstrations and TV shopping channels.

What were his political affiliations?

He was a lifelong Labour Party supporter, Camden councillor, and a major figure in the Brexit movement through Vote Leave and Labour Leave.

What are some books written by John Mills?

He authored several books including Brexit Economics, Britain’s Achilles Heel, and The Elephant in the Room, focused on UK economic strategy and manufacturing revival.

What was his impact on the UK economy?

Mills was a strong advocate for reindustrialization, managed exchange rates, and policies aimed at driving long-term economic growth.

Conclusion

John Mills was far more than a businessman — he was a builder of ideas, businesses, and futures. From innovating British retail to shaping national policy, his life stands as a testament to how one individual can influence commerce, politics, and thought with equal force. His legacy continues through JML, his writings, and the ongoing work of the Institute for Prosperity, inspiring future entrepreneurs and policy-makers alike.

Westernbusiness.co.uk