Four women are sitting on reclining seats in the circular relaxation room – which resembles something from a Bond film set – in the spa of London’s Chancery Court hotel, a location almost as close to the West End as to the City.

It’s close to 9am and this is their first meeting of the day. But it is one with a difference. Rather than sitting in a restaurant over poached eggs, these women are discussing business over a pedicure.