Lawrence Jones quits UKFast following sexual misconduct allegations

Financial Times article accused Jones of sexual assault and harassment last week

UKFast founder and CEO Lawrence Jones has quit the business amid accusations of sexual harassment.

Last week the Financial Times published an article in which it claimed to have interviewed more than 30 former employees of UKFast, claiming that Jones sexually assaulted two women and harassed a number of others.

Jones (pictured) denies all the allegations, but has announced he will leave his role as CEO of the business he founded 20 years ago.

He said: "I have decided to step down as CEO of UKFast and take a leave of absence.

"A number of false and malicious allegations have been made against me and I am absolutely determined to ensure that they are fully investigated so that my name can be cleared.

"The interests of the employees, clients and investors in the business are paramount and much more important than any one individual.

"In the meantime, I am confident that the business will continue to grow and prosper."

Jones' wife and current UKFast MD Gail Jones is expected to take over his responsibilities.

UKFast said it "acknowledges the serious allegations recently made in a national newspaper and is conducting an internal investigation."

Reports claim that Jones was pressured to resign by private equity firm Inflexion, which took a 30 per cent stake in the hosting provider last year.