Speakers

Simon Woodroffe OBE

Simon left school at the age of 16 and spent 30 years in the entertainment business. His production companies in London and Los Angeles designed and staged concerts for many artists during the 70's and 80's, including The Moody Blues, Madness, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder and George Michael.

In the 90s, Simon went into television. He spearheaded the development of television deals to show huge international rock concerts worldwide, including Nelson Mandela concerts, shows for Amnesty International and the Prince's Trust concerts.

In 1997, Simon founded YO! Sushi, a conveyor belt sushi bar. The concept was to make eating a complete entertainment experience and featured call buttons, robot drinks trolleys and Japanese TV. The first restaurant opened on London's Poland Street and became an overnight phenomenon. Today it continues to expand both at home and abroad.

In 1999 Simon won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and became part of the CBI/BCC Ambassador of Entrepreneurism campaign, with which he is still actively involved. In 2001 he was awarded the accolade of Best Venue at the Retailer of the Year Awards. In recognition for his contribution to hospitality, Simon was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list this year, 2006.

Simon has most recently appeared on the BBC 2 produced worldwide hit programme Dragons' Den as one of the formidable panelists, who make and break the dreams of would-be entrepreneurs as they pitch their business ideas for financing. Simon has also featured on Discovery TV's VIP Weekends with Ian Wright, ITV's Homes & Property and ITV's The Millionaire's Club.

As a result of being asked to share the story of his entrepreneurial success, Simon has developed a strong reputation on the UK and international public speaking circuit. Simon speaks openly avoiding business cliché and audiences find his story extremely inspiring and a catalyst for their own endeavours, be they in a large corporate setting or working at a start-up level.

Simon is developing new YO! brands including YOTEL, the world's most revolutionary hotel opening 2007; YO! Zone, part spa, part café, part bar and part nightclub; and YO! How, an online support community for budding entrepreneurs.

Stuart Heslop
Director, Commercial Banking, Aberdeen; The Royal Bank of Scotland

Stuart joined RBS in 1987 and has held various roles in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Tayside throughout his career. In his current position, Stuart is responsible for a team of 38 including relationship managers, deal executives and support managers, focussing on businesses turning over £1 million and above. A fellow of the Chartered Institute of Banking, Stuart is married with 3 children and has a keen interest in football, running, skiing and golf.