'Inspiring Entrepreneurs' series
Small companies, global ambitionsPanel discussion followed by a networking reception
The global economy isn't just for multinational corporations; small start-ups can become instantly global by deploying the powers of the internet and tapping into emerging markets. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone launching a new business. As part of Enterprise Week, we are hosting a panel discussion and debate with four entrepreneurs who have been global from day one. They will talk about the challenges of launching a company with worldwide ambitions. Take the opportunity to question the experts, and network with fellow entrepreneurs. Our panel: Brent Hoberman is one of Britain's best-known entrepreneurs who, with co-founder Martha Lane Fox, built the iconic online travel site, lastminute.com, into an internationally successful business that was sold in 2005 to a US travel giant. In 2007, Brent launched interiors website mydeco.com. Dawn Gibbins MBE is one of the UK's most flamboyant and inspirational entrepreneurs, who built Flowcrete into a global business with offices in 30 countries. A former Veuve Clicquot Business Woman of the Year, she led the business for more than 25 years. Today she is launching Barefoot Living a new, natural flooring business that she hopes will be ‘like bringing nature indoors'. Asif Rangoonwala is, in the words of the Independent , ‘Powerboat playboy, bakery baron, property plutocrat.' The founder of a highly successful bakery business, Eurobuns, he also plans to be ‘the Bernie Ecclestone of powerboat racing', through his P1 powerboat Grand Prix series. Richard Woods is one of the three founders of DIY Kyoto. They developed ‘wattson', the energy monitor that shows you how much electricity your home is using. DIY Kyoto has received £1/2m worth in investment and ‘wattson' is now in production with distribution deals around the world. Moderator: Matthew Rock is founder-editor of Real Business, the UK's leading magazine for entrepreneurs. He is one of the founding team of Caspian Publishing, the £10m-turnover media business and a regular commentator in the media on entrepreneurial and international business issues. Find out about our past events and watch our speakers in action here |
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