Inspiring speakers for up and coming entrepreneurs

Oct 27 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

STUDENTS will be urged to "bring out the Branson" in themselves at a big event hoping to inspire entrepreneurship in the North East.

Hundreds of aspiring young business people – including many graduates from the region’s universities – will descend on the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead for the Entrepreneurs’ Forum’s annual student conference.

And this year they will be given insights into what it takes to succeed in different industries, with a varied line-up of guest speakers.

Among the speakers is James Murray-Wells, the owner of Glasses Direct – the country’s first online spectacles retailer. He spotted his niche in the market while still in education and, using his college loan money, he established a venture that pulled in more than £1m in its first year.

Inventor Ruth Amos, who began her StairSteady company at the age of just 16, will also reveal the secrets to her success. Still only 19, the Young Engineer for Great Britain winner is at the helm of a successful company behind the creation of a device helping elderly people and those with mobility difficulties to get up and down stairs.

She will be joined on stage by Superkrush Films entrepreneur Chris Taylor, who began to make and direct his own films after signing up for the Graduates Learning Entrepreneurship and Mentoring course at Durham University. His firm has since been responsible for more than 250 quality productions, both nationally and internationally.

The conference will conclude with an address from Alexander Amosu, Britain’s most successful seller of mobile phone ringtones and a self-made millionaire. Recently named among the top 100 most influential black Britons, Mr Amosu made his first million at 25, launched his own magazine at 26 and a TV show at 28.

Carole Beverley, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “Our student conference is a phenomenally popular event and this year we have a day that really will encourage graduates to bring out the Branson in themselves.

“Our guest speakers began chasing their business dreams from an early age and I am sure that their stories will prove inspirational to a new generation of North East entrepreneurs.”

The event takes place on November 4, from 11.30am to 5pm.

:: Delegate places are free, as is transport from the region's universities outside Newcastle. However, places must be booked by October 31 by calling (0870) 850 2233 or emailing info@bringoutthebranson.net.