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Star billing Karren among the big names at major business showcase ; Events [Bristol Evening Post (England)](Bristol Evening Post (England) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) SOME of the biggest names in business will be speaking at a free showcase taking place at Colston Hall on April 8. The Business Showcase South West 2014, sponsored by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, is a major business event that celebrates innovation, business, creativity and sustainability in the region. Speaking on stage is Karren Brady, who is perhaps now best known for her role alongside Lord Sugar in BBC1 show The Apprentice. But her business experience goes much deeper. A former director of Sport Newspapers, she came to the public's attention as the first woman at the top of football, as managing director of Birmingham City FC, from 1993 to 2009. She took the club from administration to the stock market in just a few years. She is now vice-chairman of West Ham United FC. Karren has won numerous awards and is one of the highest profile role models for women in business today. Organiser Jamie Breese said: "To secure a first-class headliner such as Karren Brady, and all our other keynote speakers, is a statement of how big a player Bristol and the South West is in business today. "We're delighted to bring all that talent and expertise under one roof." Olaf Swantee, chief executive of mobile phone firm EE, is another headline speaker. The firm has headquarters in Bradley Stoke, as well as a number of shops in the city. With close to 30 million customers in the UK, Olaf's words will be listened to keenly. Other speakers at the event include Business West managing director, Phil Smith; executive director of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, James Durie; chief constable of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Nick Gargan; and motivational speaker Brad Burton, of 4networking. The main event starts at 10am and runs until 5pm. The exhibition is open throughout, with a host of top local firms exhibiting - from Bath Ales to N3 Display Graphics (partner), Gregg Latchams to 4Networking (partner) and UWE to Veale Wasbrough Vizards. The origin of the event was the foundation of Only Connect networking events in 2008. Only Connect has become one of the largest open networking events in the UK, welcoming more than 500 guests on each occasion. The event gives businesses the opportunity to present and promote their products and services, from start-ups and SMEs to big and longestablished brands. The day is free for delegates, including attending the keynote speeches. However, visitors should register for tickets first by visiting the website at www.showcase2014.com. In addition to this, the chief executives of the region's leading companies have been invited to a private drinks event at lunchtime, supported by Desynit. There will also be a special Only Connect networking event - in association with Business West - in the evening to round off what promises to be one of the business events of the year. Jamie Breese "To secure a headliner such as Karren Brady, and all our other keynote speakers, is a statement of how big a player Bristol and the South West is in business today." (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |