Unforgettable event on cards
IN today’s gloomy economic climate, simply retaining the power of positive thought may be a struggle for many in the business world.
But in the North East, a region famed more than any other for its thriving entrepreneurial spirit, there is a determination to defy the doom-mongers.
And nowhere will this be more in evidence than at the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s sixth annual business conference and dinner on Thursday, May 21, where a hugely impressive line-up of guest speakers is set to provide a major injection of inspiration.
Topping last year’s landmark fifth conference, which featured a high-profile appearance by supermodel-turned-business supremo Elle Macpherson, was always going to be a challenge – even before the region was caught in the grip of the recession.
But the Forum has once again surpassed itself by securing six speakers whose expertise, skills, knowledge and experience are guaranteed to strike a chord with delegates – and inspire them as they head back to their own businesses.
For many, the conference will offer a rare chance to get away from the day-to-day challenges of running their own ventures, to step back and take a considered look at their approach in the light of what they hear.
As well as learning from the stellar collection of guest speakers, there will be the opportunity to network and share experiences with some of the region’s foremost entrepreneurs at the whole-day conference.
It is no surprise that the centrepiece event of the Forum’s calendar is also its most popular, with the Inspired6 conference having the potential to make a genuine difference to the way local businesses move forward.
The keynote speaker is one of the business world’s most eminent and respected figures – Lord Karan Bilimoria, the founder and chairman of Cobra Beer.
The venture was founded 20 years ago as Karan sought to offer the perfect premium lager to complement Indian cuisine.
From his humble beginnings, selling Cobra from the back of a Citroen 2CV on the streets of London, he has created an empire that sees his product made available in more than 50 countries across the world.
The chief executive of Finsbury Food Group and reigning Scottish Entrepreneur of the Year, Martin Lightbody, will also be sharing his wisdom.
The Lightbody family firm amassed annual sales of £50m before it was sold to Finsbury, which today has a turnover of £150m.
They will be joined by financial and internet entrepreneur Julie Meyer, the chief executive of Ariadne Capital and founder of the global network First Tuesday, and Matthew Riley, the chief executive of Daisy Communications – one of the UK’s leading business communications providers.
Former Dragons’ Den star and business angel Richard Farleigh will tell of his rags-to-riches rise, while an interview with John Varley, chief executive of Barclays Bank, will be broadcast during the event, giving his take on the current economic climate and the part banks have played.
A dinner and awards ceremony, with speaker Perry McCarthy – original Top Gear cult hero The Stig – will conclude an inspirational day’s activities. With Forum favourite Guy Browning back in the host’s role, it promises to be an unforgettable event.
Forum chief executive Carole Beverley said: “This year’s conference comes amid some of the most challenging circumstances many businesses have ever had to face, but we are delighted to have secured a line-up of speakers with the ability to truly inspire.
“The day captures the very essence of what the Forum is about. For business people across the North East, it is a fantastic opportunity to share experiences and knowledge, and to hear from, and be inspired by, the very best. We look forward to welcoming familiar and new faces to what has become a simply unmissable feature of the North East business calendar.”
Share
