Credit: Graphics
I had the opportunity to create the motion graphics for the BBC Scotland documentary The Rise and Fall of Michelle Mone, designing animated elements that helped convey the complex timeline and key moments of Michelle Mone’s journey. From dynamic title to visual breakdowns of business deals and legal investigations, the graphics were designed to support the storytelling and bring clarity to the documentary’s detailed reporting.
The BBC Scotland documentary The Rise and Fall of Michelle Mone chronicles the dramatic trajectory of Michelle Mone, a Scottish entrepreneur who rose from humble beginnings to become a celebrated businesswoman and Conservative peer, only to face significant controversy and investigation.
Early Life and Business Success
Born in Glasgow’s Dennistoun area, Mone left school at 15 without qualifications but possessed a strong drive to succeed. She initially worked in modeling and promotions before co-founding MJM International with her then-husband, Michael. They developed the Ultimo bra, a gel-filled lingerie product, and secured a major retail deal with Selfridges in 1999. Mone’s flair for self-promotion and media engagement propelled her into the public eye, leading to widespread recognition and a reputation as one of the UK’s leading businesswomen.
Political Involvement and Peerage
Mone’s public profile expanded beyond business as she became involved in politics, switching allegiance from Labour to the Conservative Party in 2010. She was appointed as the government’s “entrepreneurship tsar” and, in 2015, was ennobled as Baroness Mone of Mayfair. However, scrutiny of her business achievements revealed that MJM International had modest financial success, with annual turnovers not exceeding £10.1 million and significant losses in later years.
Controversy and Investigation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a company called PPE Medpro, linked to Mone’s husband, Doug Barrowman, secured government contracts to supply personal protective equipment (PPE). Initially, Mone denied involvement, but investigations uncovered communications indicating she had facilitated the deals. Further reports revealed that Barrowman profited significantly, with substantial sums placed into a trust benefiting Mone and her children. These revelations led to Mone losing the Conservative whip and taking a leave of absence from the House of Lords. The National Crime Agency launched an investigation, and the government is pursuing legal action against PPE Medpro for £122 million over alleged contract breaches.
Media Response and Legacy
Mone and Barrowman later admitted to their roles in the PPE contracts, asserting they had done nothing wrong. Mone stated that misleading the press was not a crime, a comment that attracted significant attention. The documentary portrays Mone’s story as a modern parable of ambition, media manipulation, and the perils of unchecked self-promotion.
The Rise and Fall of Michelle Mone is available on BBC iPlayer and airs on BBC Scotland and BBC Two.
Watch on BBC iPlayer
