The Leading Speakers Bureau

Germany’s Best Female Professional Racing Driver & Television Personality

Ellen Lohr is Germany’s best female driver and TV personality having won many major titles including a Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft race in 1992 on the Hockenheimring. Since 2004, Ellen Lohr has been active in the Dakar Rally and other such events. She also enjoys commentating on DTM races for RTL Television.

“Ellen Lohr is the face and character of German Motor Racing”

[expand title=”In detail”] When the DTM/ITC was cancelled after 1996, Ellen Lohr even raced trucks, and also in DTC Deutsche Tourenwagen Challenge, a German touring car racing series. From 2000-2004 she was an expert and commentator for DTM for their live TV coverage. She also had her own weekly radio show in 1993, Start und Ziel, a TV show from 1994-1996 Elli`s liebe Kollegen and a truck magazine programme on TV from 1999 -2001 Schwer in Fahrt.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Drawing from her vast media experience of more than ten years as a sports commentator and presenter with her own TV show in German television Ellen Lohr entertains audiences from all over the world with her charisma, charm and professional style. An experienced television anchor, Ellen Lohr is also an excellent conference or awards host as well as one of Germany’s most popular television celebrities.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]With a career that spans over a decade in televison Ellen Lohr is a professional and relaxed presenter well used to the pressures of dealing with a live audience.[/expand]

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Australian Business Angel and One of the Dragons in BBC 2’s the Dragon’s Den

Australian multi-millionaire Richard Farleigh is a full time “business angel” who has possibly invested in more new UK companies than any other British investor. With a penchant for private equity investment in young high growth technology startups, the list of companies he has put his money in reads like the who’s who of the UK tech companies. Most recently he can be seen on BBC 2 as one of the Dragons in the highly acclaimed series the Dragon’s Den.

“The beauty of big ideas is that you often have plenty of time to get involved.”
Richard Farleigh

[expand title=”In detail”] Now based in Monte Carlo, Richard studied economics and mathematics before managing a derivatives desk, a proprietary trading desk and a hedge fund in the 1980s and early 90s. His focus at that time was on predicting big picture trends and the effects on the currency and interest rate markets. In the mid 1990’s he semi-retired and has since operated as a “business angel” backing some very exciting companies, over 50 of which have successfully floated on the market or have been acquired.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Richard offers audiences an in depth look at the many first principles he has used over 20 years to become one of Europe’s most successful investors. These are certainly words of wisdom, as they come not from a theoretical background but from real-life experiences of Richard’s highly successful career. He was recently figured amongst the 100 Sexiest Men Of 2008 and Richard was voted in third position in a KashFlow poll of business heroes as voted for by business owners themselves.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A highly inspirational speaker, Richard demonstrates his sound business principles using several examples from different business areas and speaks candidly about his success.[/expand]

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Highly Successful Businesswoman and Entrepreneur

Michelle Mone OBE is the founder of successful brand, 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. Ultimo currently supplies Debenhams, Selfridges, Next and Figleaves along with a number of independent lingerie stores. Michelle also appeared as a contestant on Comic Relief Does the Apprentice with Sir Alan Sugar.

Michelle received an OBE for services to business in the 2010 New Years Honours List

[expand title=”In detail”] Since launching, Ultimo has established a huge profile and loyal customer base within the UK and contracts with a string of stunning, high-profile models and celebrities. Over the years Michelle’s business has gone from strength-to-strength, developing beyond the original umbrella of Ultimo to encompass eight patented inventions and brands including Ultimo Black Label, Ultimo Shapewear, Ultimo Swimwear, Miss Ultimo and partner lines including Diamond Boutique for Tesco, Adore Moi for Debenhams and Michelle for George for Asda, named after her. Michelle has also expanded into womenswear with Ultimo Couture – a line of luxury evening dresses.[/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]Michelle carefully explains to audiences the secrets of her success and her presentations are an invaluable source of useful information and tremendous inspiration. An accomplished speaker, Michelle is in great demand by organisations keen to hear her story and to mimic her incredible success.[/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]Michelle’s presentations are, like her bras, an “uplifting” experience. She is straight talking and gives a genuine down to earth personal account of how she built up her company. She speaks passionately about her struggle to succeed against all odds, shares funny anecdotes and provides practical advice to budding entrepreneurs.[/expand]

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Former Chairman of Channel 4 & Entrepreneur

Luke Johnson is currently Chairman of Risk Capital Partners Ltd, a private equity company. He is also the owner of several other companies including Giraffe Restaurants, Patisserie Valerie and APT Controls. In May 2010 Luke became a strategic investor in Beer & Partners, the UK’s largest business investment agency. He is also Chairman of Fast Track, the UK’s leading networking events and research company, focusing on Britain’s top-performing private companies.

“One of the leading business entrepreneurs”

[expand title=”In detail”] Luke became Chairman of Channel 4 Television Corporation in January 2004 where he appointed a new CEO, restructured the board and saw the organisation enjoy record ratings, revenues and surplus. Luke also writes a weekly column for the Financial Times and wrote for the Sunday Telegraph for eight years. He has owned companies in recruitment, dentistry and retailing and was Chairman of Pizza Express. Luke worked as a media analyst at stockbroker Grieveson Grant (subsequently Kleinwort Benson Securities).[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]As one of Britain’s leading business entrepreneurs, Luke shares his insights and perspectives about what it takes to be successful in business. He genuinely believes in helping businesses and especially in advancing the entrepreneurial spirit.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A charismatic and charming speaker, Luke’s speeches are always cultured, entertaining and provocative. Luke is equally comfortable talking to sector-specific audiences, particularly those relating to his own interests i.e. the media, the restaurant trade and private equity. [/expand]

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Musician, Chef & “Dragon Slayer”

Levi Roots is the creator of ‘Reggae Reggae Sauce’ and one of the recent success stories from the BBC Entrepreneur programme, Dragon’s Den. His late entry into the culinary field came because of commitments to music. Levi was enjoying himself touring around the world, performing with icons such as James Brown, Dennis Brown, Michael Rose and Black Uhuru. He was nominated for a MOBO award in 1998 for his Free Your Mind album. He sang Happy Birthday to Nelson Mandela when the South African icon visited Brixton and used to play football with Bob Marley every Sunday in Battersea Park!

“Levi’s story is one of the most heart-warming business success stories to date”

[expand title=”In detail”] Levi Roots wowed the dragons with his Reggae-Reggae sauce, taken from his Jamaican grandmother’s recipe, with his unique ‘all singing’ marketing campaign and managed to secure an investment. He made the big time from producing his Reggae Reggae Sauce that won an exclusive contract in 2007 and was soon stocked in Sainsbury’s stores across Britain becoming the chain’s fastest ever selling product. Levi also released a new album and continues to feature regularly as a guest chef on cookery shows in addition to touring the country as a motivational speaker, encouraging young people to follow in his footsteps.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Levi famously sang about the virtues of his Reggae Reggae Sauce and became, without doubt, the most famous participant on the show. His success has meant that he has become a spokesperson for both Caribbean cuisine, as well as more generally for entrepreneurship amongst the black community. He has visited hundreds of schools to encourage young children to adopt a positive approach and to show that you can succeed from humble beginnings. He encourages his audiences to continue to strive towards their goals, passing on advice and anecdotes about the world of business.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]The most memorable contestant on Dragons’ Den, Levi has experienced a phenomenal rise to fame, however remains very down-to-earth and highly inspirational for his wide ranging audiences.[/expand]

Watch a video presentation of Levi Roots

Former Member of Boy Band JLS & Entrepreneur

JB Gill is a former member of the boy band JLS. The band successfully auditioned for the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008, going on to finish in second place. JB became an overnight star and the band have clocked up five number one singles, two BRIT awards, two MOBO awards, two best-selling books, and two double platinum selling albums. In December 2013, the band went their separate ways and JB plans to become a deer farmer in Scotland as part of the UK’s leading private mentoring organisation, Rockstar Youth who have added JB to their growing list of high profile backing their drive to get 18-30 year olds to capitalise on the government’s Start-up Loan initiative. He now owns and successfully runs a 10 acre farm in London.

“A young, highly successful and talented individual”

[expand title=”In detail”] Gill spent the first five years of his life living in Antigua, discovering his musical talent at a very early age. JLS star JB was born in London and his first love was rugby not singing. Playing for London Irish until he was 18, he came close to lining up at Twickenham. Studying Theology at Kings College in London while working in his mum’s office doing admin to earn cash, he was invited to join JLS in 2006. Originally called UFO – Unique Famous Outrageous – the guys wanted Jonathan in the band for his musical talent and keen ear for harmonies.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]JB provides insights and anecdotes from his career in music. He draws on the lessons he learned as part of a successful group to show audiences the importance of teamwork and how to achieve our own personal goals. He is also in demand for appearances and awards events.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]JB’s relaxed, friendly and open manner comes across at any event where he enjoys sharing his experiences and enthusiasm for music and business with his audiences.[/expand]

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Entrepreneur and Award- Winning Business Woman

Hilary Devey is the Inspirational Founder, Chief Executive and Chairman of The Pall-Ex Group. Today, as Chief Executive of the UK’s No. 1 palletised freight distribution network, Hilary is an inspirational role model for both male and female entrepreneurs. Having started from nothing, she now leads a network which boasts a combined turnover approaching £100m and serves numerous blue chip customers. In 2011, she joined the panel on BBC Two’s business programme Dragons Den.

“Failure was never an option…..”

[expand title=”In detail”] Hilary gained her wealth of experience in the distribution sector, having worked at Littlewood’s. She then spent seven years in the retail distribution sector at TNT before leaving to set up her own business. She has been recognised for her contribution to business with an honorary degree from the University of Leicester. She is also a regular on the public speaking circuit. She has featured in television programmes including Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire, she later appeared on The Business Inspector on Channel 5. [/expand]

[expand title=”What she offers you”]A hugely inspiring and motivating speaker, Hilary’s speeches demonstrate that skills learned as a daughter, wife and mother can indeed be seamlessly transferred to the Boardroom. She is an ardent supporter of women climbing the corporate ladder and passionate about enterprise. [/expand]

[expand title=”How she presents”]She shares her experiences and encouraging tips on running a business and combines it with straight talking advice and lots of humour.
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Drummer for Snow Patrol & Cofounder of Polar Publishing

Jonny Quinn is best known as the drummer of the alternative rock band Snow Patrol. His band was nominated for two MTV music awards in 2007 and to date have released six albums that have sold in excess of 13 million copies. Nominated for both Grammy and Brit awards and winning a prestigious Ivor Novello accolade, he has been responsible for several era-defining singles, including Run, Chocolate and Chasing Cars.

“An iconic alternative rock band”

[expand title=”In detail”] He has also branched into publishing with a company he shares with Gary and Nathan from the band – Polar Patrol Publishing. Polar Patrol is a pro-active music publishing service for songwriters, artists and musicians set up by Jonny, Nathan and Gary from Snow Patrol. Their small team offers a hands-on approach to publishing with the aim of nurturing new song writing talent and artist development. Polar Patrol does not restrict its roster to any particular genre, as Jonny explains “there is no agenda – if it’s good enough and we believe in it 110%, we will sign it.” Polar Publishing are going from strength-to-strength presenting, amongst others, songs from Ed Sheeran, One Direction, Example, Rudimental, Snow Patrol, Belle and Sebastian and Kodaline.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]A talented musician and successful business man, Jonny Quinn provides engaging presentations to audiences at events throughout the country. He offers audiences an insight and anecdotes from his career in the music business. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]A passionate and creative artist, Jonny is a musician of the highest order who offers audiences performances that are always well received. [/expand]

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Chairman of ASOS & Former CEO of Amazon.co.uk

Brian McBride is Chairman of ASOS, the leading on-line fashion retailer, and Wiggle, the on-line cycling retailer. He is also Senior Non Executive Director at AO.com and is Senior Adviser with Scottish Equity Partners. He is a member of the UK Government’s Digital Advisory Board, which steers the digital delivery of Government services to citizens, and a member of the Court (Governing Body) of the University of Glasgow.

“An expert on retail and data driven companies”

[expand title=”In detail”] He was CEO of Amazon.co.uk from 2006 to 2011 having led it through its high growth period. He began his career with Xerox and subsequently worked in senior roles at IBM, Dell Computers and as Managing Director of T-Mobile (UK). He has been a Non Executive Director of Celtic Football Club PLC, SThree PLC, and Computacenter PLC and has served as a Non Executive Director on the Board of the BBC and the Advisory Board of Huawei UK.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]An experienced speaker at international events, Brian shares his learning and insights on being data driven, the device’s usage and social media implications and how to transform traditional business culture into an environment ready to compete intelligently in the e-commerce world. [/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]Brian is a highly motivating and articulate speaker. His enlightening presentations are always well received. He not only inspires but also presents his clients with actionable solutions that can be implemented immediately.[/expand]

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Triple Dakar Rally Champion

Cyril Despres is the three times Dakar Rally Champion in the bike category. After 14 stages and almost 10,000km he hailed his 3rd win as particularly satisfying, perhaps because rather than being the result of circumstances it was the fruit of many months of preparation and hard work. Cyril’s 2nd Dakar victory in 2007 was one of the proudest of his career, after overcoming a catalogue of problems to emerge victorious. Cyril lay only 24th after three stages of the event following an oil leak, engine problems and a broken clutch, and got lost for 15 minutes during the second week.

“Three times winner of the world’s toughest motorcycling challenge”

[expand title=”In detail”] Cyril Despres started his career riding trial bikes. In 1998 Cyril took part in the Tunisian rally and shortly afterwards in his first Dakar Cyril surprised everyone by finishing 16th. After his first ride in the Dakar, Cyril took part in the Tuquet Endurance rally followed by rallies in Morocco, Rumania, Tunisia, Spain and Egypt before winning his first Dakar in 2005. In the 2009 Argentina – Chile Dakar, when after three days, Cyril found himself in 22nd position, he was forced to dig deep and find the determination, not just to continue riding but to continue racing. Pushing all the way to the end Cyril finished overall second.[/expand]

[expand title=”What he offers you”]Cyril is an expert on self-motivation, teamwork and crisis management. He offers audiences a first hand look at what it takes to win the toughest motorcycle race in the world and how we can use his winning formula to achieve our goals.[/expand]

[expand title=”How he presents”]An experienced media personality, Cyril is able to tailor his presentations for any event and his inspiring talks are backed up with some dramatic footage from his winning Dakar races.[/expand]

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