Baroness Martha Lane Fox

Baroness Martha Lane Fox, co-founder of Lastminute.com, is a renowned British businesswoman, philanthropist, and public servant. After stepping down as Managing Director in November 2003, she remained a non-executive director of the company, continuing to shape its legacy. Beyond Lastminute.com, Martha has held key non-executive positions at Marks & Spencer, MyDeco.com, and the Women’s Prize for Fiction. She also co-founded Lucky Voice, which has transformed karaoke experiences across the UK. Her entrepreneurial ventures have consistently sought to blend digital innovation with offline engagement, bridging the gap between technology and everyday experiences.

In March 2010, Martha established a Digital Public Services Unit within the Cabinet Office, marking her entry into public service. She was invited to join the Cabinet Office’s Efficiency and Reform Board later that year. Her advocacy for digital inclusion culminated in the launch of the Networked Nation Manifesto, which aimed to help people across the UK get online by 2012. The impact of this initiative was recognised at a Downing Street event hosted by David Cameron, where the importance of her manifesto was celebrated.

Martha continues to contribute significantly to public life. She now co-chairs the Government Technology Innovation Panel, guiding the UK’s digital transformation in public services. In this role, she collaborates with industry experts and government officials to drive technological advancements across sectors. Her passion for leveraging technology to improve public services ensures that the UK remains competitive and innovative in the digital age. Additionally, she is a trustee of Reprieve, a charity focused on fighting human rights abuses, and a patron of CAMFED, which supports the education of girls in Africa.

Her contributions to the digital economy and charitable causes were acknowledged when she was appointed Commander of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013. She was also named one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK by BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. Martha was elevated to the House of Lords as Baroness Lane Fox of Soho, becoming the youngest female life peer at the time. She continues to serve as a crossbencher, advocating for digital inclusion, technology-driven public service, and innovation, while inspiring entrepreneurs and leaders through her speaking engagements.