Speakers
Michelle Dewberry:
Michelle came to prominence as the winner of the second series of hit BBC series The Apprentice, going on to work with Sir Alan Sugar for a year on a new business venture around recycling of electrical items. Prior to her participation in The Apprentice, Michelle was a successful freelance consultant to a number of leading telecommunications companies, assisting and advising on their outsourcing and cost-reduction efforts.
Since parting company with Sir Alan Sugar, Michelle has continued in her previous occupation as a consultant in addition to publishing her autobiography, Anything Is Possible, in March 2007. She speaks regularly on topics including entrepreneurship and women in business and is behind new venture Chiconomise, a website offering tips and advice on affordable fashion.
Roger Hornett:
Roger is the Executive Chairman of Redtree Securities, the broking arm of property fund managers Development Capital Management. Having worked in The City for over 40 years, Roger has held positions at all levels but most notably as a Partner in investment bank James Capel at the time of its sale to HSBC, and as Chief Executive of Gilissen Securities’ London division.
Now a small business investor Roger recently acquired The Crown & Punchbowl, a restaurant and hotel near
In addition Roger is a tireless charity worker, devoting time to support the Little Havens Children’s Hospice in Essex and the Teenage Cancer Trust in
Katie Ledger:
Katie is an expert communication skills coach and a former BBC, ITN and Channel Five newsreader and more recently was a presenter on Click, the BBC's technology news programme.
Now a founding Partner of Talent Network, Katie is a frequent facilitator at major conferences and undertakes consultancy work with blue-chip companies such as Microsoft and Sony.
David McQueen:
The self-proclaimed “Magnificent David”, today’s event chairman is a Presenter on Channel 4’s hit education programme Vocation Vocation Vocation.
His roots are in youth coaching and mentoring, a role he continues to undertake. In addition, he is a global conference speaker on education issues and social enterprise. David’s business interests include educational workshops via his Milestone Unlimited training venture, visiting schools across Britain to deliver entertaining motivational speeches to audiences of teenagers; and Firstborn Media, a music concert and artist management company specialising in the gospel genre.
Michael Smith:
Michael is best known as the co-founder and CEO of Firebox, the award-winning online retailer of gadgets and gifts. Founded in 2000, the business now turns over in excess of £12 million annually.
In addition Michael is founder and CEO of MindCandy, the interactive entertainment company behind "Alternative Reality Game"
Michael is the keynote speaker at the SKILL! workshop.
