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3 Oct 2006 16:44:53
Doug Richard, entrepreneurial star of BBC 2’s Dragons’ Den, shared his tales with a full house at the University of Bedfordshire’s Knowledge Network event in September.
The top guest speaker lived up to his reputation for having razor-sharp business acumen and style. He shared his considerable experience and tales from the TV show at the Putteridge Bury campus, with 130 people from a variety of business sectors across the region.
The event is one in a monthly series for members of the Knowledge Network. Gary Kirby, Events and Knowledge Network Manager, said: “We had a full house and the feedback was excellent. Doug lived up to his reputation - he was a fabulously entertaining speaker. Several people were given a 60 second chance to sell their business to Doug in Dragons’ Den style – but they didn’t quite get the grilling you see on TV!”
Businessmen and women from a variety of companies across Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire were impressed with the business guru.
Dave Fenlon, from MCT Services Ltd, Luton, said: “I really enjoyed his speech and he provided outstanding examples of the rewards and pitfalls associated with hard work, good business sense and a slice of luck.
“I have taken some of his advice on board and it has given me food for thought about how I approach and present my business. These will take some time to absorb and work into what will probably become a major reassessment of my whole business strategy.”
Frank Shaw, from Luton-based FAMAS UK, said: “The presentation was extremely useful in terms of general motivation and building self confidence. I particularly noted his comments on dedication and risk, and the concept of winning more times than you lose. He left the impression that his success could be achieved by others.”
Simon George, from Thames Translations International Ltd in Harpenden, said: “I found Doug to be inspirational, and informative. I also felt privileged to be able to hear a speaker of such calibre at a free event in my region.”
The next free event in the Knowledge Network calendar is 4 October, when the wisdom of international telecommunications expert, Candace Johnson, will be shared. How Entrepreneurs Have Changed the World and Can Do More, is the title of her talk at Putteridge Bury.
Candace was voted one of the 50 most powerful women by Time and Fortune. She is co–initiator of the Astra satellite system and SES Global, the largest satellite system in the world. She is also founding President of Europe Online, the world's first and largest Internet via Satellite network, and founder of Loral Cyberstar–Teleport Europe, Europe's first independent private trans–border satellite communications network. Candace has been honoured for her contributions to advances in telecommunications across Europe and America.
The event will include a talk, question and answer session, networking session as well as wine and a buffet. Gary added: “She comes as a highly recommended speaker in entrepreneurship and social enterprise, as well as being a specialist in her own area of telecommunications and IT. There are a few places left so those who would like attend should sign up to become a member of the Knowledge Network and come along for free.”
For further details about this and other Knowledge Network events, visit www.theknowledgenetwork.co.uk.
Latest news» 2006» Oct» Businesses flock to see Dragon Doug at University
