Celebrity speakers

Adam Richman grew up in the food Mecca of New York City and began his love affair with food early on, sampling all of the diverse culinary specialties The Big Apple had to offer. From samosas to sushi, even at a young age, Adam had a desire to taste it all. A self-educated food expert and trained sushi chef, since 1995 he has kept a travel journal including each of the restaurants he visited and what he learned from the trip. Adam has subsequently worked in nearly every echelon of the restaurant world coast-to-coast. The nature of his work allowed him to feed his appetite for discovering the best local dishes across America, all of which found their way into his ever-expanding food journal. Although described as a bit on the husky side, to maintain his health while indulging for his show on The Travel Channel’s Man v. Food (which he began hosting in 2008), Richman exercises twice a day while he is on the road.

Adam Savage has spent his life gathering skills that allow him to take what’s in his mind and make it real. Adam is a maker, a dreamer, a cinephile, a craftsman and a tireless advocate for getting one’s hands dirty. He has multiple hobbies and is passionate about restoring his vintage four-wheel drive vehicle, and researching and accruing new pieces for his movie prop collection. But his true love is his family. He lives with his wife, twin boys, and their two amazing dogs.

Adrian initially started working for the BBC by carrying out work experience on the Business Breakfast show. He was successful and soon switched to working for the BBC’s radio channels, working on Radio 4’s Financial World Tonight. He soon moved to Radio 5 Live and had his own show – Chiles on Saturday – which was awarded a Sony Radio Academy Gold Award in 2002. In 2010, Adrian left the BBC and began working as a sports presenter for ITV. He was a presenter on Daybreak (a breakfast show) for about a year. He also presents That Saturday Night Show.

A native of south-west France, the young Alain Ducasse went on to work under some of the most-respected chefs of his time – Michel Guérard, Gaston Lenôtre, Roger Vergé and Alain Chapel – before taking over at Louis XV in Monaco in 1987. Within less than four years, he had earned three Michelin stars. Today, he holds 19 Michelin stars across 23 restaurants in 8 countries.

lan Shearer is one of the most feared and respected strikers of the modern era and a wonderful ambassador for the game. His debut was an indication of the wealth of talent Alan has when he scored a hat trick for Southampton against Arsenal on 9th April 1988 (4-2 victory) and went on to became the only player in English football history to score 30 or more goals in three consecutive seasons. On 6th August 1996, after Alan’s successful Euro 96, where he finished the tournament’s top goal scorer, Alan joined his beloved Newcastle for a world record fee of £15.6 million, fulfilling his childhood dream to play for his local side.

Alexander is a presenter, comedian, actor and more recently singer. He was educated at Trinity College Cambridge where he read English. It was at the Cambridge Footlights where he met Ben Miller and formed the comedy duo Armstrong and Miller. Xander is also one of the country’s most popular hosts - fronting Pointless and regularly taking on the Have I Got News presenter role. He has explored Italy for BBC One, portrayed David Cameron, and recorded Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf.

Amir Khan is one of the most talented sportsmen of his generation. Catapulted into the limelight from the 2004 Silver medal Olympic podium, Amir has become Britain's highest-profile boxer racking up an impressive professional fight record; having become the World Light Welterweight Champion in July 2009 after his life changing fight against Andreas Kotelnik.

Andrew Marr is one of the most familiar reporters, journalists, presenters and interviewers on television. He was the host of weekly BBC ‘The Andrew Marr Show’ up to December 2021, during which Andrew conducted live interviews with a host of high profile guests on topical issues and he also current presents the Radio 4 programme, ‘Start the Week’, on a regular basis. Prior to this, Andrew spent five years as Political Editor at BBC News.

Sir Anthony 'AP' McCoy OBE, MBE is a Northern Irish Champion horse racing jockey legend. AP McCoy OBE retired from racing in April 2015 having dominated his sport for over 2 decades, making him not only the world's greatest ever jump jockey, but also one of the UK's most talented sportsmen. In April 2015, AP was crowned Champion Jockey for the 20th consecutive year, and ended his truly phenomenal career on 4348 wins (which includes the 2010 Grand National, the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase & King George VI Chase). This incredible man and BBC Sports Personality of the Year spent his career setting records we will not see broken in our lifetimes. We have had champions, we have had legends, but we will never have another AP McCoy. AP's achievements were acknowledged by the Queen with a Knighthood in the 2016 New Years Honours.

Arthur Smith has become one of comedy's elder statesmen: an Edinburgh Fringe stalwart and a club compere since the early days of the alternative scene. As a comedian he has played all over the country, including the Comedy Store, Jongleurs and assorted West End Theatres. His show Arthur Smith Sings Andy Williams played Edinburgh and then the Comic Strip in New York.

Barry O’Sullivan is the CEO of Altocloud and is an active technology investor.

Ben Fogle has rowed the Atlantic Ocean, crossed Antarctica on foot, run across the Sahara and crossed the Empty Quarter on camel. He has presented numerous hit programmes on the BBC, ITV and Channel 5 including, New Lives in the Wild, Extreme Dreams, Countrywise, Harbour Lives, Through Hell and High Water and Crufts. He writes regularly for the Sunday Telegraph and has written six Sunday Times bestseller books. He is an ambassador for WWF, Medecins Sans Frontier and Tusk, Centrepoint and the Princes Trust, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and patron of The Royal Parks Foundation. Ben is a special correspondent for NBC News in the United States, reporting from all over the world for Today, Dateline and MSNBC Nightly News.

Benjamin Zander is known throughout the United States as one of the most inspiring teachers and trainers of young musicians, as well as a musician at the cutting edge of interpretation of music of the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Now as well regarded for his work as a speaker as for his teaching and conducting, Zander has been invited to share his knowledge and experience with organisations the world over. As a lecturer to corporations, he reveals the distinctions of leadership, teamwork, creativity and coaching gained in a life-time of conducting.

With his dual identity as a medical doctor and explorer, Bertrand Piccard has become an influential voice heard among the most distinguished institutions across the globe as a forward-thinking leader in progress and sustainability. He is independent, not affiliated to a particular party or lobbying group, and as such is a trusted adviser and influencer for the development of new societal solutions, and a very sought-after speaker for private and public audiences.

For over 20 years, Bianca has campaigned for social and economic justice and environmental protection throughout the world. She is Founder and Chair of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation, Council of Europe Goodwill Ambassador, Member of the Executive Director's Leadership Council of Amnesty International USA and Trustee of the Amazon Charitable Trust. Her work has been award-winning, receiving the Earth Day Award from the UN in the 1990s, as well as the Green Globe Award from the Rain Forest Alliance, and an 'Abolitionist of the Year' award from the US National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.

Bill Gates is a world famous and iconic business magnate, investor, programmer, inventor and philanthropist. Bill is the former chief executive and current chairman of Microsoft, the world’s largest personal-computer software company, which he co-founded with Paul Allen. Bill stepped down as chief executive officer of Microsoft in January 2000. He remained as chairman and created the position of chief software architect. In June 2006, Gates announced that he would be transitioning from full-time work at Microsoft to part-time work, and full-time work at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates has already given more than $28 billion, but said in his fifth annual letter for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that the total amount invested is less important than precise measures of impact.

Bill Oddie is an English writer, composer, musician, comedian, artist, ornithologist, conservationist and television presenter.

Boris Becker is a former world No. 1 professional tennis player from Germany. He is a six-time major singles champion, including the distinction of being the youngest ever Wimbledon men's champion when he was 17.

Bradley Wiggins established himself as one of the world’s finest track endurance riders by collecting six Olympic medals across three Games, including individual pursuit gold at Athens 2004 and individual pursuit gold and team pursuit gold at Beijing 2008.

An amazing story of triumph over adversity and cultural criticism, driven by a positive mental attitude and a phenominal comic talent, Brendan O’Carroll has enchanted audiences with his creation “Mrs. Browns Boys”. His control of an audience and motivational rise to success make him the perfect speaker for your corporate events.

As founder of two leading children's charities, the Place 2 Be and the now defunct Kids Company. Place 2 Be is continuing to deliver services and Kids Company closed "following false sexual abuse allegations, which were taken to the media. The police investigated, and found no crime had been committed. They stated they "found no fault with Kids Company's safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults". Camilla continues her pioneering work in collaboration with several charities and her new book 'Kids' also a collaboration will be out soon.

Catherine Tate is an English comedian, actress and writer, best known for writing and acting in the successful The Catherine Tate Show.

Chanelle co-founded Chanelle Medical, part of the multi-million pound global company Chanelle Pharmaceutical Group based in Galway. Chanelle is the newest dragon on the TV series Dragon’s Den in Ireland and is also married to horseracing legend Sir AP McCoy.

Cheryl Baker is an English television presenter and singer, best known for winning Eurovision in 1981 with the band Bucks Fizz.

Chris Evans is an English presenter, businessman and producer for radio and television. Best known for his career on Radio 2, hosting the Breakfast Show since 2010.

Dr Christian Jessen is the charismatic presenter of Channel 4's Embarrassing Illnesses, Supersize vs Superskinny and, most recently, the BAFTA-winning Embarrassing Bodies. Dr Christian is involved in a number of public campaigns and he works closely with various health charities to help look for new ways to educate people in health matters. His main aim is to help raise medical awareness and simplify, demystify, de-stigmatise and explain the sometimes complicated and inaccessible world of medicine to the public.

Clare Balding began her career as an amateur flat jockey, becoming Champion Lady Rider. The transition from competing to presenting began with her television debut at Royal Ascot. Clare is now an established name in BBC sport, winning several awards. She has also written regular columns for the Observer and Sunday Telegraph, as well as Racing Post.

Claudia Winkleman presents the Great British Sewing Bee and is co-host of the Strictly Come Dancing results show. She also hosts the BBC's Film Programme and has been known to appear as a panelist on Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Have I Got News For You.

Dallas is one of the most versatile and well travelled factual presenters working in the industry. He has filmed in some of the most extraordinary & challenging locations all over the world - Sewer diving in Mexico City, scaling the world’s tallest building in Dubai, exploring secret chambers in Egypt’s Great Pyramid, filming rocket launches to the International Space Station in Kazakhstan and diving for lost Spanish treasure off the coast of Cuba.

Danny Boyle is well known for his films such as 28 Days Later, Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours.

Dara O'Briain has built up a reputation and prestige as being one of the finest comedians in the world. His quick wit and silver-tongue has been the regular host of hit TV show 'Mock The Week', as well as being a guest presenter on 'Have I Got News For You'. Dara also hosts Ireland's popular show RTE 2's The Panel, becoming one of very few actors to successfully and simultaneously host shows in the UK and Ireland. Dara's role has recently gone beyond comedy, implementing his degree in mathematics and theoretical physics by co-hosting Stargazing Live with Brian Cox, and a host of other science-based shows including 'School of Hard Sums'.

Beckham is an athlete of immense talent and success. Having played in leagues across the world, for teams including Manchester United, Real Madrid, A.C. Milan, L.A. Galaxy, and P.S.G., Beckham is one of the biggest names in football. He went on to be the first English player to play in 100 Champions League matches and to win 4 league titles in four different countries.

Dean is best known as DS Ray Carling from BBC's best drama in years 'Life On Mars' and is soon to be seen in the spin off series 'Ashes to Ashes' in the spring of 2008. Life On Mars won countless awards and regularly had a viewing audience of over 7 million each week. Dean Andrews is an accomplished Actor and After Dinner Speaker and continues to be a huge favourite with the public.

Deborah Meaden is a British multi-millionairess who launched her own glass and ceramics export company whilst still in her teens and straight out of business college, before setting up one of the first Stefanel fashion franchises in the UK. She became a household name through her presence on BBC2's Dragons Den.

Dumi Oburota is the Nigerian-British entrepreneur credited for engineering Patrick Okogwu AKA Tinie Tempah's rise to stardom. He is also attributed to being behind strong acts like WizKid and asides music, he boasts a clothing label under his "Disturbing London" company. Now he is on a mission to make Disturbing London "a stamp of coolness for millennial, urban culture".

Duncan Bannatyne OBE is a successful businessman and is one of the stars of the popular BBC TV series Dragon’s Den. He has a chain of well-known health clubs and is involved in multiple other businesses, with his main areas of business interest being property, hotels, media, transport and stage schools. Despite the fact Duncan is now a successful multimillionaire, he came from humble beginnings and is a true example of entrepreneurial spirit overcoming adversity.

Elle Macpherson is a prominent figure in business, fashion, film and television. She oversees one of the most well-known, and expanding, brand names in apparel and women’s fashion. More importantly, she is the mother of two sons and an ambassador for three global charitable organisations.

Felix Baumgartner broke three World Records by base-jumping from a capsule in Space down to Earth: the first human to break the sound barrier without the assistance of a vehicle, the highest manned balloon flight, and the highest skydive. Outside of his penchant for daredevil acts, Felix was named to Vienna's Street of Champions and nominated for a World Sports Award and two categories in the NEA Extreme Sports Awards, Felix is also an advocate for the nonprofit Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation.

Captain of the Victorious 1995 country-unifying Rugby World Cup Team - The Springboks, Francois Pienaar is a remarkable athlete, trained lawyer and an ambassador for multi-racial sports and civil rights. Captain of the Victorious 1995 country-unifying Rugby World Cup Team - The Springboks, Francois Pienaar is a remarkable athlete, trained lawyer and an ambassador for multi-racial sports and civil rights. He reached the highest peak in rugby union when he captained his country, South Africa, to World Cup victory in 1995. He was portrayed by Matt Damon in Clint Eastwood's blockbuster Invictus. In 2005, Francois was seconded by First National Bank as CEO for the 2011 Rugby World cup bid. Having been named Newsmaker of the Year, he is his country's most celebrated icon after Nelson Mandela. He was portrayed by Matt Damon in Clint Eastwood's blockbuster Invictus. In 2005, Francois was seconded by First National Bank as CEO for the 2011 Rugby World cup bid. Having been named Newsmaker of the Year, he is his country's most celebrated icon after Nelson Mandela.

Gabby was the first female presenter of a live football match and the first woman to host Match of the Day. She currently works for the BBC hosting Inside Sport and has her own show on BBC radio 5 live on Sunday mornings. A former Welsh international gymnast, Gabby has twice been named Sports Presenter of the Year by the TV and Radio Industries Club.

Gary Lineker OBE is one of the most popular TV sports presenters and former captains of the England football team. Gary has presented various BBC sports related programmes such as Match of the Day and is a regular on the comedy show, They Think it's all Over. Gary is also passionate about golf and in 2005, Gary was unveiled as the BBC's main presenter for major golfing events.

Gavin Duffy is best known for taking businesses from concept in the Den to success in retail or online in just a matter of months.

Gethin Jones is best known for his children’s television career presenting popular shows such as Popty and Blue Peter.

Gregg Wallace is an English television presenter known for co-presenting MasterChef, Celebrity MasterChef and MasterChef.

Gyles Brandreth is a writer, broadcaster, actor, former MP and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury, now Chancellor of the University of Chester and one of Britain's most sought-after award ceremony hosts and after-dinner speakers. A veteran of QI and Have I Got New For You, a reporter on The One Show and a regular on Just a Minute, his many books include The Oscar Wilde Murder Mysteries and two recent best-sellers.

Hardeep Singh Kohli was born in Glasgow in 1969. A BAFTA-winning broadcaster, he was the writer of the Channel 4 hit Meet the Magoons, a presenter of Radio 4's Saturday Live, Midweek and The Food Programme, as well as contributor to numerous radio programmes such as Radio 4's Front Row and Radio 3's Nightwaves, and a movie reviewer on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Harry Hill is a former physician who began his career in comedy when he began hosting his popular radio show Harry Hill’s Fruit Corner.

Harvey is a world-famous music mogul and visionary producer and promoter of rock concerts, Charity events and television broadcasts. He has produced, managed and promoted shows with most of the world’s major artists. He has worked with, among others; Andrea Bocelli, Muse (band), Genesis, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Bruce Springsteen, Santana, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Luciano Pavarotti, Sheryl Crow, Shania Twain, Bee Gees, Jools Holland, Sting, and many other.

A true rags-to-riches story, Herman Mashaba created the cosmetics brand Black Like Me. He started by selling his products from the boot of his car, and it mushroomed into the multimillion Rand enterprise it is today. Recently, he has also started up operations in the UK.

Being recognised as one of the best and most wacky, outlandish chefs in Britain, Heston Blumenthal is the chef-proprietor of the Fat Duck restaurant in Berkshire. He was awarded his first Michelin star in 2000 and has since received a further two. In 2002 he was awarded the Good Food Guide's Chef of the Year and the AA Guide's Restaurant of the Year awards. The Fat Duck was voted "Best Restaurant in the World" in 2005 and Heston was awarded an honorary degree by Reading University in 2006 in recognition of his unique scientific approach to food and outstanding achievements in biosciences.

Hugh shot to fame recently for playing the much loved character of Dr. House, the arrogant yet brilliant diagnostician. Hugh has appeared in numerous roles, being a prominent figure in the Blackadder series with Rowan Atkinson, and appearing with Stephen Fry in the hugely popular ‘A Bit of Fry and Laurie’ as well as ‘Jeeves and Wooster’. In his acting career, Hugh has received multiple awards, including two Golden Globes for his role in House, and five time winner of the Peoples Choice Award for favourite TV and Male actor. Since the end of the series ‘House’, Hugh has become an internationally critically acclaimed musician, producing two bestselling albums.

Ian Wright MBE has an electric personality that used to light up the matches in which he played and now brings radiance to his appearances as a TV and radio performer.

Britain's favourite misanthropist, pessimist, and negativist, Jack encapsulates audiences with his dry wit and dead-pan delivery. Jack Dee is also the writer and star of the hit BBC sit-com Lead Balloon, and has a string of comedy credits to his name. Jack has won multiple awards including the British Comedy Awards, which he has won three times. In 1998, Jack followed this up and fulfilled a dream and performed in a West End play for the first time, as Yvan in Yasmina Reza's award-winning play Art. The director Matthew Warchus was so impressed with Jack's performance, he asked him back to play the part of Serge for a 13-week run. The BAFTA nominated Jack Dee Live at the Apollo, saw him at the forefront of the recent comedy boom and the fashion for stand up on TV as he hosted shows featuring acts including Jason Manford, Jimmy Carr, Lee Mack and Russell Howard.

As a successful and much sought-after stand up, actor, writer and presenter, Jack Whitehall has firmly established himself as one of the UK’s most exciting and successful new comedy talents.

Jameela Jamil is a British television presenter, radio presenter and model. She has appeared on various Channel 4 programmes and has been a presenter of T4 from 2009 until 2012 when T4 ended.

James Caan has been developing and selling businesses for over 20 years, and has become one of the UK's most successful entrepreneurs. His success sparked from the international blooming of recruitment companies including the Alexander Mann Group and Humana International. Recently he has been seen to invest over £1million in his role on Dragon's Den over 4 series.

James has become one of Britain's most notable comedy actor and writer's. His attention to detail and ingenious timing create television that is pure pleasure to watch, so much so that The Independent hailed James as 'the hottest property in British television.' James famously secured his first break undertaking the role as a pupil in The History Boys by Alan Bennett. This outstanding portrayal of young teenage boys in the pursuit of sex, sport and a place in higher education was charming, and the talent exhibited earned James a place on the international tour at The National Theatre; Broadway and in the cinema adaptation in 1994.

James May is a British television presenter and journalist. He is widely known for his years as a presenter of the motoring programme Top Gear alongside Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond.

Jay Rayner is a British journalist, writer, broadcaster and food critic. His television appearances have earnt him the nickname Acid Rayner due to his sour demeanour.

Jean-Christophe was born in France where he left school at the age of 14 to become a baker. From there, Jean-Christophe has excelled to the top of the culinary world. Becoming a professional chef at the age of 20, winning his first 2 Michelin stars as Chef Patron at the Gordleton Mill. Jean-Christophe now owns restaurants all around the world, and has opened his own cookery school to pass on his gift to others.

Jeff Randall is one of the UK's leading business commentators. He is Editor-at-Large of The Daily Telegraph, and a regular presenter on Sky News and Five Live. Known for speaking his mind, Jeff's speeches mix crystal ball gazing with an insider's take on the runners and riders. As one of the UK's best known and most influential business commentators, Jeff proves to be an ideal moderator and host at various conferences throughout the country. Being relaxed and highly professional he draws on his extensive media experience to provide audiences with a truly memorable event.

Joanna Lumley OBE is an esteemed TV and stage actress, voice-over artist, author, comedienne, and former model. Her most remembered role is as 'Patsy' in the nationally loved 'Absolutely Fabulous'. Beyond her acting roles, Joanna has worked alongside multiple charities and has been an avid activist for campaigns such as Survival International, the Gurkha Justice Campaign. Joanna is also the Patron for multiple charities, including PENHA, the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust, and Trust in Children. In early 2013, Lumely was ranked as one of the 100 most powerful women in the UK by Radio 4's Radio show, Woman's Hour.

Every Sunday, millions tune in to John Craven OBE as he highlights rural and environmental issues in Britain on the BBC broadcast CountryFile. John has been a part of the CountryFile team for nearly 25 years. However, what made John a household name was his role in presenting and editing John Craven's Newsround - the first TV news show for children.

John Humphreys is a Welsh author, journalist and presenter of radio and television, who has won many national broadcasting awards.

John is best known for his role as the BBC's chief political correspondent, a position that he held from 1992-2000. John was voted the "Best Individual Television Contributor of the Year" at the Voice of the Listener and Viewer Awards for 1999. John's long dormant career in comedy was revived in 1998 when he appeared in an edition of "Have I Got News For You" on BBC 2. Ian Hislop said he had been one of the funniest guests in the history of the program. John is a highly acclaimed corporate speaker, brilliant awards host, challenging conference chair and excellent anecdotal after-dinner speaker.

Jonathan "Jon" Stewart is an American political satirist, writer, producer, director, television host, actor, media critic, and stand-up comedian.

Lady Karren Brady CBE is one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the world and has travelled the globe inspiring and motivating audiences. She has, for the past decade been considered as one of the best speakers in the world on a range of topics that leave audiences inspired and motivated.

Katie is one of the most inspirational women in the UK. Having rebuilt her life following and acid attack in 2008, model and now successful TV presenter decided to share her story in a remarkable film for the Cutting Edge strand on Channel 4 called ‘Katie: My Beautiful Face’ which was watched by over 3.5 million viewers and nominated for Best Single Documentary at the BAFTA Television Awards in 2010.

Kelly Hoppen is at the forefront of the design industry, publishers and businesses continually seek her unparalleled expertise, allowing her to indulge her entrepreneurial instincts including The Dragon's Den and fronted the Channel 5 Design Series, Superior Interiors, in 2011.

Ken Hom OBE was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona – his Cantonese parents emigrated to the US in the 1920s. Growing up, he found American food unpalatable compared with his mother's cooking, so she sent him to school with a flask of hot rice and stir-fried vegetables, much to the envy of his friends. In 1969, Ken went to university in California, where he funded his tuition by giving cooking lessons. They proved to be so popular that he was recommended to the BBC by Madhur Jaffrey; Ken’s first Chinese cookery programme followed soon after. Ken has also taught many great chefs, including Charlie Trotter, who went on to open the famous Trotters restaurant in Chicago. Ken has cooked for many politicians, including Tony and Cherie Blair, the Prime Minister of New Zealand and the presidents Taiwan and France, as well as the Sultan of Brunei.

Kevin's reputation as a world-class comedian has lead him to being the fastest act to sell out all 28 nights of his 2009 Edinburgh Festival run and adding a staggering 15 extra shows, which also sold out! 2005 saw Kevin reach the finals of every New Act competition, most notably Channel 4's 'So You Think You're Funny?' In 2006 Kevin performed his first full length solo show at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, to a sold out audience and much critical acclaim. Moving into bigger venues every year, Kevin continued to sell out his hometown festival in 2007, 2008 and 2009. With a huge following and reputation carved out before his 25th birthday, Kevin is undoubtedly set to be the next big thing in comedy.

Kimberly Wyatt is best known as a former member of the American pop/R&B girl group and dance ensemble the Pussycat Dolls. Kimberly is a super awards host, presenter and equally happy doing fireside chats and keynotes.

Laurie Taylor’s career has included stints as a teacher, a salesman, and actor, and as a lecturer and Professor of Sociology at York University, where he supposedly became the model for Howard Kirk in Malcolm Bradbury’s 1975 campus novel The History Man.

Lenny Henry is the founding member of Comic Relief and an award winning comedian. His media career spans over 30 years as a documentary maker and communicator. Lenny has recently completed a BA Honours in English Literature with the Open University.

When thinking of Lord Alan Sugar it is difficult not to imagine the dreaded words ‘you’re fired’. However, it’s good to learn that although he doesn’t mince his words and definitely doesn’t suffer fools gladly, Lord Sugar is actually a considerate man and a philanthropist. He says what he means and can come across as abrupt at times, but his sense of humour is evident, as is his genuine desire to improve both the business and life experience of others.

Lord Digby has been at the forefront of Britain and International trade and investment for decades. He is a business ambassador of UK Trade & Investment, Former Director General of the CBI and Former Minister of State for Trade and Investment. He is an engaging speaker and valuable mentor.

To many Lorraine Kelly is the face of breakfast television. After taking a break for the birth of her daughter, she returned to front Lorraine Live and LK Today. Other credits include This Morning, A Family of Their Own and Secrets Revealed: DNA Stories.

Lorraine is a British former model and television cook and is very supportive of the charities Barnardos and Tact which both deal with fostered and adopted children. She is also an ambassador for Rays of Sunshine, The Prince’s Trust and Sutton Community Farm. At the end of last year, Lorraine was also named as the government’s first Fostering Ambassador.

Margaret Mountford is a British lawyer, businesswoman and television personality best known for her role in The Apprentice. Returning to education later in life, she completed her PhD in 2012 at University College London. Margaret also chairs the Bright Ideas Trust. BIT was set up by the first Apprentice winner Tim Campbell, and helps young people start their own businesses.

Mariella has firmly established herself at the top end of opinion forming journalists and TV presenters in the UK. Defying any attempt to pigeonhole her skills and talents Mariella has made her mark on a wide variety of programmes and writes regularly for the Observer, and other publications.

Celebrated chef, restaurateur and food writer Mark is known for his original take on British gastronomy, after 17 years as Chef Director at Caprice Holdings, he opened his first restaurant in 2008 - the distinguished Hix Oyster & Chop House in Smithfield, and has since opened a further five establishments including Hix Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis and the award-winning Mark's bar, and of course the latest Tramshed all to great critical acclaim.

Matt Goss was the lead singer of 1980s pop group Bros alongside his twin brother Luke. Matt is currently performing at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Ask anyone on the street to name a stand-up comedian and chances are 8 out of 10 people would first think of Michael McIntyre. Arguably the UK's most successful stand-up comedian of the last few years, Michael McIntyre has catapulted himself to super-stardom. Host of his own Comedy Roadshow, holder of the UK record for fastest-selling arena tour, and now a Britain's Got Talent judge, Michael is certainly in demand. From hosting the Royal Variety Show to numerous panel show and guest appearances, Michael has become one of the most familiar comedians on television. As confident as he is quick-witted, Michael is a boyish, likeable chap who improvises as effortlessly as Eddie Izzard and Ross Noble except with an additional knack for characters and accents. No comedian makes his job look easier.

Since leaving politics, Michael has devoted himself to writing and broadcasting. Charming and charismatic, he is a regular on both BBC 1's "This Week" programme and Radio 4's "The Moral Maze". He has made radio and television documentaries on a wide range of subjects, including three series of "Great British Railway Journeys" for BBC 2.

Michelle Mone is the creator of Ultimo, the UK's leading designer lingerie brand. Listed as one of the top 3 female entrepreneurs in the UK, Michelle has built a hugely successful career on an incredibly simple concept: giving today's women what they want. 2009 was a giant milestone for Michelle professionally; not only was Ultimo the first UK lingerie brand to debut on the catwalk at New York Fashion Week, but she opened 20 'shop in shops' within Debenhams in key cities throughout the UK and landed a mammoth deal with Tesco clothing to develop, design and manufacture 'Diamond Boutique' lingerie.

With bundles of self-deprecating charm and perfect timing, Micky wins over any audience with his stream of observations on life's little absurdities. He's been described as 'gut-wrenchingly hilarious' by The Mirror, and simply 'the future of comedy' by Frank Skinner. Micky claims an East End upbringing so impoverished that Alphabetti Spaghetti was a luxury. He's since gone from Billingsgate fish porter to appearing in Sainsbury commercials and marrying into the middle classes. Micky affectionately mocks the more rarified world he now inhabits and the characters he's (almost) left behind.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb has devoted his life to immersing himself in problems of luck, randomness, human error, probability, and the philosophy of knowledge.

Neil Morrissey is a much-loved actor, presenter and beer expert who is seen on television and on stage he’s become a well-known and loved personality.

Nick Hewer is the host of Countdown and was Lord Sugar’s right-hand man on The Apprentice for almost ten years. On the business reality contest Nick’s wry looks and deadpan comments became a favourite part of the show and revealed exactly what he thought of the contestants.

Nick Jenkins is the founder of Moonpig.com, the online greeting card website – an idea that started whilst at university.

Nigella Lawson is the bestselling author of ten books and is one of the most recognisable names and faces in the food industry across the globe.

Nina and her independently minded friend Monkey thrill audiences on both sides of the Atlantic in the sitcom Family Tree and on tour. As the cheeky monkey puts it they are ‘genre-defying,’ but what does he know? He’s not even real! They’re joined onstage by Lydia and a mask-wearing volunteer from the audience.

Patrick Kielty started his comedy career whilst a student at Queens University, Belfast. He started his own night at the city’s famous Empire club, which spawned a one-off BBC television special ‘The Empire Laughs Back’ which in time won him a Royal Television Society award for best regional presenter.

After working with high-profile bands and musicians around the world for twenty years, singer / songwriter Patti Russo is launching her solo career with a tour of the UK and an EP of her own music. Patti is best known as a duet partner for Meat Loaf, with whom she has toured the world for two decades. She has also worked with Cher, Queen, Bryan Ferry, Betty Harris and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, to name a few. Patti Russo is also no stranger to the theatre stage, having appeared as Esmeralda in the London production of Notre-Dame de Paris and as Killer Queen in the Las Vegas production of Queen and Ben Elton’s smash hit musical We Will Rock You.

Peter Casey is the Founder and Chairman of Claddagh Resources and is also a writer and business and political commentator.

England goalkeeping legend Peter Shilton OBE has gained more caps for England than any other player. Peter was also the youngest player to play League football for Leicester City at the tender age of 16 years old - taking over from the equally legendary Gordon Banks. Throughout his amazing 30 year career he played for 11 English league clubs through which he accumulated a record 1005 League appearances. Since his retirement, Peter has appeared on the hit TV show 'Strictly, Come Dancing' in 2010.

Phill Jupitus’s vast range of talents has allowed him to have a variety of careers from music to television to stand up comedy making him an excellent entertainer.

Piers Morgan was Editor of the Daily Mirror until his dismissal following a decision to publish photos of British soldiers apparently abusing Iraqi prisoners of war. He is now better known as a judge on Britain's Got Talent, after proving a big hit on the US version. On 17 January 2011, he began hosting Piers Morgan Tonight for CNN in the timeslot previously occupied by Larry King Live before the retirement of host Larry King. His book, The Insider, private diaries of a scandalous decade, became an instant number one bestseller and sequel Don’t You Know Who I Am? Insider diaries of fame, power and naked ambition topped the bestselling list as well as God Bless America.

Roman Nicholas is a self-made, award winning entrepreneur with an interest in retail.

Raymond is a completely self-taught chef, inspired by his mother (fondly referred to as Maman Blanc). Raymond grew up in Besançon, near Dijon. He arrived in England in 1972 and became a waiter at the Rose Revived in Newbridge, Oxford. When the chef fell ill, Raymond took over, and in 1975, he was promoted to chef. The rest, as they say, is history. Raymond went from strength to strength, gaining the Rose Revived a Michelin Star two years later. He then worked all hours to save for his own restaurant; he opened Les Quat' Saisons in Oxford in 1977 and soon won a host of distinctions.

Great Britain's most successful ever swimmer, Becky Adlington, announced her retirement from international competition in February 2013, and immediately set out her vision for her legacy, which she sees as her greatest challenge in swimming. During a stellar career, Adlington won multiple Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth Games gold medals. She competed in four Olympic finals, winning two Gold and two Bronze medals in Beijing and London respectively. She remains the current world record holder in the 800m Freestyle, and undoubtedly the greatest swimmer that Great Britain has ever produced, not to mention one of the most successful female athletes in British Olympic history.

Reginald D Hunter is a writer, actor and comedian from Georgia, USA and is one of a very select group of comedians to be nominated for the Perrier Award three years running.

René has the experience of serving as a main board director for blue-chip companies, managing massive investments. René is also one of the UK's leading business gurus specialising in leadership and culture, drawing from his own unique experiences at Marks & Spencer, Pepsi, IPC Media and the Inland Revenue. He is author of Corporate Voodoo and Spike with a unique style that is dynamic, assertive, authoritative and interactive, René brings together the gravitas of blue chip business with the theatre of television and radio.

Rhod Gilbert has enjoyed many successful years as a star of television and radio and continues to uphold his esteemed reputation as a prolific writer and first-class live performer.

Richard Ayoade is an English comedian, actor, writer, TV presenter and director, best known for his roles as Dean Learner in Garth Marenghi's Darkplace and Maurice Moss in The IT Crowd.

Richard Branson is best known as the founder of Virgin Group, which comprises more than 400 companies. His first business venture was a magazine called Student at the age of 16. In 1970, he set up a mail-order record business. In 1972, he opened a chain of record stores, Virgin Records, later known as Virgin Megastores. Richard's Virgin brand grew rapidly during the 1980s, as he set up Virgin Atlantic and expanded the Virgin Records music label. Richard is now the 6th richest person in the UK, according to the Forbes 2013 list of billionaires, with an estimated net worth of £2.8 billion.

Richard won his first Michelin star at Stephen Bull's Fulham Road restaurant in 1994, before launching the acclaimed Michelin-starred Lindsay House in London's Soho in 1997. In 2006, Richard took over the reins at the well-established London fish restaurant, Bentley's, opening a second Bentley's in Dublin in 2008. Richard has catered for numerous prestigious events, including lunch at 10 Downing Street for Tony Blair and the King and Queen of Jordan. He has appeared in several UK television cookery programmes and hosts the Irish TV series Corrigan Knows Food.

Roger Black is one of the country's most successful sportsmen having represented Great Britain for fourteen years at the highest level in the world of athletics. Roger won fifteen major Championship Medals including European, Commonwealth and World Championship Gold Medals. His greatest achievements were winning the Olympic 400 metres Silver Medal in 1996 and being part of the Gold Medal winning 4 x 400 metres relay team at the 1991 World Championships. Still one of the UK's most popular speakers, Roger inspires and motivates audiences throughout the UK and Europe – he understands the dynamics of becoming a champion, how to live a dream, set goals and fulfil ones potential. Roger's presentations are designed to motivate people to become more successful both as individuals and as members of a team. All world-class teams are comprised of world-class individuals. Roger shares strategies to develop the mindset of a champion by applying his "Five Fundamentals" for success.

An accomplished businessman and public speaker whose experience is unique having worked at a Director/CEO level in five global companies across multiple industries at times of rapid change. He has run businesses with turnovers between £400m and £2bn, with millions of customers and thousands of staff. Whilst at BBC, Roger delivered 3 successful businesses creating and adding over £750m of value to the BBC. He was also instrumental in the overall BBC wide change programme.

Impressionist, comedian, satirist, translator, columnist, writer, presenter, ballroom dancer; Rory Bremner is either multi-talented, indecisive, or both. With a repertoire of over one hundred characters, he impersonates everyone from film stars to chat show hosts, sportsmen to newsreaders and politicians to fellow comedians. He frequently appears on a range of both comic and serious programmes including "Question Time", "The One Show", "QI", and "This Week". He was a regular on BBC 2's "Mock the Week", and partnered Erin on the Saturday night hit show "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2011.

Having started his career as an actor, Ross Kemp has gone on to prove himself as a successful documentary maker having received a BAFTA for his series on gangs and many other nominations and awards for his television work. Ross now has his own production company so if you're looking for a speaker with a diverse career experience and equipped with motivational and teamwork skills, then Ross will be the perfect speaker for you.

Mumpreneur, Investor and Dragon, Sarah has won multiple entrepreneurial and business awards and has appeared on television programmes as a business expert including 'The Restaurant' and Dragon's Den. Sarah is a popular speaker in the UK and internationally on topics including all aspects of money saving, Leadership and Teamwork, Business Turnarounds, Food, Restaurant, Retail, Leisure industries and Entrepreneurism.

Down to earth, honest and full of life Scarlett is your perfect Presenter, Host and superb Fireside Chat speaker. Scarlett’s rise to fame started with C4 series Gogglebox where she won the hearts of the nations. As the winner of 2016’s I’m a Celebrity..Get Me Out of Here, she went on to present on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and many more. Sunday Times No.1 bestselling author she faced size bullying criticism widely on social media and the press. Scarlett worked alongside Dermot O’Leary at the National Television Awards with a plethora of recent television credits and hugely successful podcast series in 2020 and 2021.

Shane Richie is well known for his portrayal of the character Alfie Moon in the television programme Eastenders.

In 1982 Simon Weston CBE was aboard HMS Sir Galahad with his regiment of Welsh Guards when it was bombed by Argentinian planes. The horrific burns he suffered required a series of operations that continue to this day. Despite his injuries, as well as the physical and mental suffering, Simon's life is an example of great personal triumph and courage. After the Falklands campaign, Simon co-founded The Weston Spirit, dedicated to helping young people play an active role in their own communities. Until it ceased in 2008, he spent much of his time fundraising - enabling the charity to set up regional projects in Liverpool, Cardiff and Newcastle.

Sir Bob Geldof is one of the most fascinating public figures of our time. He's both an astute business mogul and one of the greatest humanitarians the world has ever known. As a tireless campaigner for numerous good causes and charities throughout the world, Sir Bob Geldof is able to use his high profile to great effect. From African famines and aid organisations to business, global politics and communications, Sir Bob has raised awareness of a wide range of causes.

Sir Chris Hoy has long been one of the world’s best known cyclists and in 2012 he found another place in the record books as Team GB’s most successful Olympian, with six gold medals and one silver, making him also the most successful cyclist in history. His passion for cycling started from a young age he truly followed his ambitions to achieve this success. In 2008 he was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year, and was appointed Knight Bachelor in the 2009 New Year Honours "for services to Sport". In 2012 the "Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome", built for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games was named in his honour.

Sir Clive Woodward saw a successful Rugby Union career playing for Leicester Tigers, England and the British and Irish Lions. Off the pitch, Clive experienced a flourishing career in coaching, at his peak leading the England International team to world cup victory in Sydney in 2003.

Ian McKellen's work has spanned genres from Shakespearean and modern theatre to popular fantasy and science fiction. He is best known for roles such as Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy and as Magneto in the X-Men films. In 1988, McKellen came out and announced he was gay. He became a founding member of Stonewall, one of the United Kingdom's most influential LGBT rights groups, of which he remains a prominent spokesman. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1979, and knighted in the 1991 New Year Honours for his outstanding work and contributions to theatre. In the 2008 New Year Honours he was made a Companion of Honour (CH) for services to drama and to equality. He has received a Tony Award and two Academy Award nominations.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes is an adventurer whose dedication and passion have led him to reach both poles, circumnavigate the world’s Polar Axis and to reach the summit of Everest at the age of 65. He also made it into the record books by completing seven marathons on seven continents (including Antarctica) in seven days. To date, Sir Ranulph has, through his expeditions, raised over £14.2 million for UK charities. He has led 22 major expeditions to remote parts of the world including both Poles. He is also the author of 18 books including The Feather Men, a UK No 1 Best Seller and which in 2011 was released as a major motion picture called Killer Elite.

Sir Steve Redgrave is a Team GB rower, who successfully captured five consecutive gold medals at five consecutive Olympic Games from 1984 to 2000. Known as one of Britain's greatest sporting personalities, Steve has also won nine gold medals, two silvers and a bronze at the Rowing World Championships over a span of nine years. His record of 14 total Olympic and World Championship gold medals is unsurpassed by any other rower in history.

By the time Sir Terry Leahy stepped down as Chief Executive of Tesco in 2011, the company had become an international retail phenomenon. Attracting one in every eight pounds spent in Britain, it's now the UK's biggest supermarket chain and the third biggest in the world - with 350,000 employees and 2,000 stores.

Born and educated in Trinidad in the West Indies, Sir Trevor McDonald began a career in media as a radio reporter, news presenter and sports journalist. In 1969 Trevor worked as a Producer in the BBC Overseas Regional Service. He then went on to produce Current Affairs programmes for the BBC WORLD Service and in 1973 he joined the ITN as a General Reporter. After travelling all around the globe covering sports and politics, Trevor became the Diplomatic Correspondent and Presenter of Channel Four News in 1982 for which he has received many awards

Stephen Mangan is an acclaimed actor who has appeared in some of the UK's best TV comedy of recent years, including Episodes, with Matt LeBlanc. Despite appearing in multiple school plays, growing up, Stephen never imagined he could be an actor, stating "I'd have put it in a category with astronaut or jockey." After studying law at Cambridge University, he auditioned for the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and successfully won a place. He spent several years in regional theatre, playing in classics such as The Tempest, Twelfth Night and Hamlet, and his successful seasons with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the touring company Cheek By Jowl earned him a nomination for the Ian Charleson award. He is now probably best known for his role as Dr. Guy Secretan in the TV comedy series Green Wing, a character who was voted 34th in Channel 4's The World's Greatest Comedy Characters. He has also filmed a full series of the comedy Free Agents, previously part of the Comedy Showcase season of Pilots and now currently being broadcast on Channel 4.

Stephen Mulhern is best known for his smash hit television shows ITV1’s Saturday morning show Holly & Stephen’s Saturday Showdown, Tricky, Fingertips, Globo Loco, the BAFTA award winning Quick Trick Show and Ministry of Mayhem. After stepping away from Saturday morning children’s TV he went onto host Dancing on Ice-Defrosted and Britain’s Got More Talent, the ITV2 spin offs from the massive ITV1 hit shows.

Steve Coogan is an English actor, stand-up comedian, impressionist, writer and producer who is well known for creating and playing the comedic character Alan Partridge.

The late David Myers and Simon ‘Si’ King collectively known as the Hairy Bikers, are British television presenters who have fronted the series The Hairy Bikers Cookbook, The Hairy Bikers Ride Again, The Hairy Bakers and The Hairy Bikers’ Food Tour Of Britain. Sadly David passed away 28th February 2024 and will be deeply missed.

Tim Vine is an English writer, actor, comedian and presenter, known for his role on the BBC series Not Going Out until his departure in 2012. He has released a number of DVDs of his stand-up comedy and has written several joke books.

Tony Hawks is a highly respected author and comedian. He is the author of the bestseller "Round Ireland with a Fridge", the story of his absurd quest to hitch round the circumference of Ireland within a month in the unorthodox company of a fridge. After being serialized on Radio 4, the book became a top 10 Sunday Times bestseller. He has appeared frequently on many TV shows including "Have I Got News For You", "They Think It's All Over", "A Bit of Fry and Laurie", as well as "Red Dwarf". Tony is a regular after dinner speaker at corporate events up and down the country and his warm, dry style and aptitude for ad-libbing makes him a popular choice as a host for award ceremonies.

Touker Suleyman has 40 years' retail and manufacturing experience and is best known as the founder of quintessentially British menswear brand, Hawes & Curtis and the man credited with reinventing the seminal 90s womenswear label, Ghost.