Liam Brown, a former Langley student who left in Year 11 in 2012, returned to school to speak with students about his journey since leaving. During his time at Langley, Liam was well known for captaining the football team, and his passion for sport remains an important part of his story.

Now the co-founder of the Norfolk-based clothing company Simple Panda, Liam has taken a different path from many students—choosing not to attend university and instead exploring a range of jobs before finding his direction. His business is a passion project, combining his interest in fashion with one of his favourite things: pandas.

I had the opportunity to interview Liam during a working lunch, which was particularly exciting as it was my first time interviewing an Icenian since becoming a prefect. The event attracted a large number of students, many drawn by Liam’s background in football and his success as an entrepreneur, as well as a shared interest in running a business in the future.

Throughout the session, Liam spoke honestly about his journey. He shared how, after leaving school, he was unsure of what career path to follow, which was reassuring for many students who may feel the same way. His message was clear: it is okay not to have everything figured out straight away.

Liam also gave us an insight into the realities of running a business. He spoke about both the positives—such as building a brand and pursuing something he is passionate about—and the challenges, including managing orders and sourcing sustainable suppliers. This honest perspective allowed students to ask thoughtful and relevant questions, whether they were interested in entrepreneurship or simply exploring their own future paths.

Overall, it was inspiring to hear about Liam’s experiences and how he has turned his interests into a successful venture. We are very grateful for his time and openness, and I wish him every success as he continues to develop Simple Panda and whatever comes next in his journey.

You can find out more about Simple Panda, how it supports the WWF and its clothing here. 

By Noah Tarbutt-Keeble (L6)