Bullion Club CEO reveals how he turned his £20-a-day job and crypto crash into £4MILLION gold empire

From sweeping floors for £20 a day to leading a multi-million pound business, the trajectory of Harry Thorne exemplifies entrepreneurial drive. At just 30 years old, Thorne is the co-founder and CEO of Bullion Club, a gold coin trading company that generated £4 million in turnover in 2025 and projects £8 million for the current financial year.

A Foundation Built on Early Lessons

Thorne’s path began without formal qualifications, taking his first job at 16. He credits his grandfather with instilling a core financial principle: the enduring value of gold. Receiving a gold coin each birthday, Thorne accumulated a collection that ultimately provided a £16,000 deposit for his first flat in Epsom.

Did You Know? The Bullion Club focuses on independently graded, sealed Royal Mint sovereigns and britannias, which are UK legal tender coins.

From Cryptocurrency Loss to Precious Metals Focus

A £1,000 investment in cryptocurrency proved a costly lesson, resulting in a complete loss. Thorne described the experience as “devastating,” but ultimately invaluable, highlighting the volatile nature of crypto compared to the relative stability of gold. This experience shaped his future business endeavors.

Building the Bullion Club

In 2022, Thorne entered the gold trading market through a contact in Hatton Garden, London’s historic jewellery quarter. He subsequently took full ownership and rebranded the business as Bullion Club. The company operates from a Grade II listed mansion in Leatherhead, Surrey, and currently employs 11 staff.

Expert Insight: Thorne’s business model directly addresses a need for transparency and accessibility in the precious metals market, offering a clear alternative to potentially opaque investment products.

Bullion Club’s entry point for investors is around £2,500, a figure comparable to an ISA contribution. Thorne emphasizes a commitment to clarity and verifiable quality, aiming to provide a straightforward path to gold ownership. He noted a desire to move away from “sales stories” and focus on the inherent value of the asset.

Market Dynamics and Future Outlook

The price of gold and silver experienced a surge amid geopolitical tensions and US tariffs in the past year. While some of this increase may be attributed to a “fear premium,” Thorne believes a broader, structural shift is underway, evidenced by record gold demand in 2025. Demand is being driven by diversification, concerns about fiat currencies, and increased institutional and central bank interest.

Thorne cautions potential investors to carefully consider their objectives – long-term preservation versus portfolio building – and to seek independent advice. He also expressed continued wariness regarding cryptocurrency markets, citing fragmentation, volatility, and operational risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Harry Thorne’s first job?

Harry Thorne’s first job was sweeping the floor of a car repair shop, earning £20 a day.

What is the Bullion Club’s primary focus?

The Bullion Club focuses on trading independently graded, sealed Royal Mint sovereigns and britannias, which are UK legal tender coins exempt from capital gains tax for British investors.

What lesson did Thorne learn from his cryptocurrency investment?

Thorne learned that cryptocurrency can be highly volatile, while gold tends to behave more predictably as a store of value.

As investors navigate an evolving economic landscape, will a focus on tangible assets like gold continue to gain traction?