Macpherson will be Forum’s key speaker

Apr 16 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

AUSTRALIAN supermodel turned businesswoman Elle Macpherson is jetting into the North East to address the region’s Entrepreneurs’ Forum.

Although best known for her nickname ‘the body’, the former law student is an astute businesswoman with a range of products bearing her name.

She launched the lingerie line Elle Macpherson Intimates in 1990, which is now sold in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States of America and the Gulf States. The business is worth around £5m.

She will be one of the keynote speakers at Progres5ive – the fifth annual Entrepreneurs’ Forum conference – at The Hilton in Gateshead on May 22.

Entrepreneurs’ Forum chief executive Carole Beverley said: “Elle is a highly successful entrepreneur and has some fascinating knowledge to share with regard to retail, product development, manufacturing, licensing, sales and marketing.”

Other speakers at the event include music industry entrepreneur Harvey Goldsmith, Angus Thirlwell, founder and chief executive of Hotel Chocolat, and comedian Jon Culshaw.

The Journal will be carrying an eight-page preview supplement to the Progres5ive conference next Wednesday.