Speakers

Simon Calder is Britain's leading travel commentator. He started cleaning out planes for Sir Freddie Laker, followed by writing travel guidebooks for countries such as Cuba and Amsterdam.

In 1994, Simon became Travel Editor of The Independent and is also a regular broadcaster on BBC radio and television - Jeremy Vine Show, BBC Breakfast, GMTV and This Morning as well as a presenter for Sky Travel.

Andrew Neil is a newspaper editor, publisher, broadcaster and business consultant on media matters working out of London, New York, Edinburgh and France. In November 2005 he turned his attention from publishing to TV production with the launch of a £30 million ($52.5 million) fund to secure rights from the UK's independent production sector. World Media Rights has been set up by Neil with the aim of snapping up rights for TV and new-media platforms while providing a new source of investment for producers.

Andrew has presented both "The Daily Politics" on BBC Two and "This Week" on BBC One since January 2003. In November 2004 he became Chief Executive of The Spectator. A former Editor of The Economist and The Sunday Times, he was also Executive Chairman of Sky Television

Geoff Burch is considered to be one of Europe's most exciting business speakers and writers. Described as The Alternative Business Guru, his motto is 'Finding and keeping customers is the only activity that can generate revenue; everything else motivates cost'.

A comical speaker and whip-smart writer, Geoff has entertained globally. He has worked with a host of blue-chip companies and is a specialist on negotiating, sales, empowerment, teamwork and leadership, and commercial psychology. He is the author of a number of hugely popular cult business books, published worldwide, which include: Resistance is Useless - the Art of Business Persuasion, Go It Alone, Writing on the Wall, and The Way of the Dog. A regular contributor on radio, Geoff has now ventured in television with his new series 'All Over The Shop' launched in October on BBC2.

Former 3 time Olympic medallist, World, European and Commonwealth Champion Kriss Akabusi is a proven achiever in athletics and now in public speaking. With his enthusiasm, his powerful messages and his vivacious character, Kriss Akabusi captivates his audience often beyond the highest of expectations.

As a member of the 4x400 metre relay squad, one of Kriss' greatest individual triumphs was his Gold medal in the 1990 European Championships where he also beat David Hemery's 22 year old British record.

He will probably always be remembered for helping Britain clinch the Gold and beat the Americans in the World Championships 4x400 metre relay in Tokyo in 1991. In 1992 Kriss was awarded the MBE by her Majesty The Queen in recognition of his services to the country through athletics.